16 In their own eyes sluggards are wiserthan seven who answer with good judgment.
17 Whoever meddles in the quarrel of anotheris one who grabs a passing dog by the ears.
18 Like a crazed archerscattering 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.