Proverbs 26:18-28 ▼

18 As a mad [man] who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 [As] coals [are] 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 they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

26 [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.