18. Like a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
19. So is the man who deceives his neighbor and then says, Was I not joking? [Eph. 5:4.]
20. For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention ceases.
21. As coals are to hot embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to inflame strife. [Prov. 15:18; 29:22.]
22. The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport [to some, but to others are like deadly wounds]; and they go down into the innermost parts of the body [or of the victim's nature].
23. Burning lips [uttering insincere words of love] and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel covered with the scum thrown off from molten silver [making it appear to be solid silver].
24. He who hates pretends with his lips, but stores up deceit within himself.
25. When he speaks kindly, do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
26. Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness shall be shown openly before the assembly.
27. Whoever digs a pit [for another man's feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will return upon him. [Ps. 7:15, 16; 9:15; 10:2; 57:6; Prov. 28:10; Eccl. 10:8.]
28. A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.