17. He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18. As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;
19. So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20. For lack of wood the fire goeth out: and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21. As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22. The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23. Fervent lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
24. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, but he layeth up deceit within him:
25. When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart:
26. Though his hatred cover itself with guile, his wickedness shall be openly shewed before the congregation.
27. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
28. A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.