Proverbs 26:13-28 ▼

13 The lazy person [who is self-indulgent and relies on lame excuses] says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square [and if I go outside to work I will be killed]!”

14 As the door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy person on his bed [never getting out of it].

15 The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

16 The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes Than seven [sensible] men who can give a discreet answer.

17 Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten] Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.

18 Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor (acquaintance, friend) And then says, “Was I not joking?”

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer [who gossips], contention quiets down.

21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]; They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].

23 Like a [common] clay vessel covered with the silver dross [making it appear silver when it has no real value] Are burning lips [murmuring manipulative words] and a wicked heart.

24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, But he stores up deceit in his heart.

25 When he speaks graciously and kindly [to conceal his malice], do not trust him, For seven abominations are in his heart.

26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile and deceit, His malevolence will be revealed openly before the assembly.

27 Whoever digs a pit [for another man’s feet] will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone [up a hill to do mischief], it will come back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes, And a flattering mouth works ruin.