16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can give him counsel.
17 He that passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him is like one that takes a dog by the ears.
18 As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 so is the man that destroys his friend and says, Am I not in sport?
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
21 Charcoal for burning coals and wood for fire, and a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer seem smooth, but they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.