18 Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,
19 so is the man who deceives his neighborand says, “I was only joking! ”
20 Without wood, fire goes out;without a gossip, conflict dies down.
21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 A gossip’s words are like choice foodthat goes down to one’s innermost being.
23 Smooth lips with an evil heartare like glaze on an earthen vessel.
24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speechand harbors deceit within.