19 so is one who deceives his friend, and says, “I was only joking.”
20 Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip quarrels cease.
21 As coals are to embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindling strife.
22 A gossip’s words are like tasty morsels— they slide down into the innermost parts of the body.
23 Like silver glaze overlaying earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 One who hates, disguises it with his lips, but he stores up deceit within him.
25 When he speaks favorably, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.