20. For lack of wood, the fire goes out. And without a slanderer, 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 slanderer are as dainty morsels, Which go down into the inner parts of the heart.
23. Burning lips with an evil heart Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24. He who hates, pretends with his lips, And lays up deceit within him;
25. Though he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart.
26. Hatred is covered by deceit. His evil is disclosed in the assembly.
27. Whoever digs a pit falls into it, And whoever rolls a stone, it turns back on him.
28. A lying tongue hates its bruised ones, And a flattering mouth works ruin.