¹² If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and a flattering mouth works ruin.

²⁰ For lack of wood the fire goes out,
    and where there is no ^(A)whisperer, ^(B)quarreling ceases.
²¹ As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
    so is ^(C)a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
^22 (D)The words of ^(E)a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.

²³ The north wind brings forth rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

^8 (A)The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into ^(B)the inner parts of the body.

⁴ An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
    and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

^28 (A)A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and ^(B)a whisperer ^(C)separates close friends.