Proverbs 26:18-28 ▼

18 Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,

19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

20 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

21 Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

23 Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.

25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.

26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.