Proverbs 26:20-28 ▼

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, 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 are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23 [Like] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart.

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

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

26 [Though his] hatred covers itself with guile, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.

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

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