Proverbs 26:13-28 ▼

13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the street, a lion in the middle of the square!”

14 The door turns on its hinges and sluggards, on their beds.

15 The sluggard buries a hand in the dish, too weary to lift it to the mouth.

16 In their own eyes sluggards are wiser than seven who answer with good judgment.

17 Whoever meddles in the quarrel of another is one who grabs a passing dog by the ears.

18 Like a crazed archer scattering firebrands and deadly arrows,

19 Such are those who deceive their neighbor, and then say, “I was only joking.”

20 Without wood the fire dies out; without a talebearer strife subsides.

21 Charcoal for coals, wood for fire— such are the quarrelsome, enkindling strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels: they sink into one’s inmost being.

23 Like a glazed finish on earthenware are smooth lips and a wicked heart.

24 With their lips enemies pretend, but inwardly they maintain deceit;

25 When they speak graciously, do not trust them, for seven abominations are in their hearts.

26 Hatred can be concealed by pretense, but malice will be revealed in the assembly.

27 Whoever digs a pit falls into it; and a stone comes back upon the one who rolls it.

28 The lying tongue is its owner’s enemy, and the flattering mouth works ruin.