Proverbs 26:18-28 ▼

18 Like a maniac who shoots Flaming arrows, arrows, and death,

19 So is a person who deceives his neighbor, And says, “Was I not joking?”

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down.

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

22 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23 Like an earthenware vessel overlaid with silver impurities Are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24 One who hates disguises it with his lips, But he harbors deceit in his heart.

25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, Because there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Though his hatred covers itself with deception, His wickedness will be revealed in the assembly.

27 One who digs a pit will fall into it, And one who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

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