Proverbs 26:20-28 ▼

20 Fire is going out without wood, || And contention ceases without a tale-bearer,

21 Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, || And a man of contentions to kindle strife.

22 The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, || And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.

23 Silver of dross spread over potsherd, || [Are] burning lips and an evil heart.

24 A hater pretends by his lips, || And he places deceit in his heart,

25 When his voice is gracious do not trust in him, || For seven abominations [are] in his heart.

26 Hatred is covered by deceit, || Its wickedness is revealed in an assembly.

27 Whoever is digging a pit falls into it, || And the roller of a stone, it turns to him.

28 A lying tongue hates its bruised ones, || And a flattering mouth works an overthrow!