Proverbs 26:18-28 ▼

18 Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,

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

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

21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

22 A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.

23 Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel.

24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within.

25 When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart.

26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly.

27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone — it will come back on him.

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