16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.
17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.
18 Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows and death,
19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "Was I not joking?"
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down.
21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.