19 is the one who tricks a neighborand then says, “I was just joking.”
20 Without wood, a fire will go out,and without gossip, quarreling will stop.
21 Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going,a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going.
22 The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food;people like to gobble them up.
23 Kind words from a wicked mindare like a shiny coating on a clay pot.
24 Those who hate you may try to fool you with their words,but in their minds they are planning evil.
25 People’s words may be kind, but don’t believe them,because their minds are full of evil thoughts.