17 Interfering in someone else’s argumentis as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.
18 Just as damagingas a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friendand then says, “I was only joking.”
20 Fire goes out without wood,and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
21 A quarrelsome person starts fightsas easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
22 Rumors are dainty morselsthat sink deep into one’s heart.
23 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.