17. He who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to himis like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18. As a madman who castsfirebrands, arrows, and death,
19. so is the man who deceives his neighbor,and says, “I was only joking.”
20. Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;so where there is no talebearer, the 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 as wounds,and go down into the innermost parts of the body.
23. Burning lips and a wicked heartare like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24. He who hates dissembles with his lips,and lays up deceit within him;
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 shown before the whole congregation.