17 He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 As a madman who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death;
19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 For lack of wood the fire goeth out: and where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Fervent lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.