17. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his ownIs like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18. Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19. Is the man who deceives his neighbor,And says, “I was only joking!”
20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
21. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,And they go down into the inmost body.
23. Fervent lips with a wicked heartAre like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24. He who hates, disguises it with his lips,And lays up deceit within himself;
25. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,For there are seven abominations in his heart;
26. Though his hatred is covered by deceit,His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
27. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.