¹² If a ruler pays attention to liars,
    all his advisers will be wicked.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and flattering words cause ruin.

²⁰ Fire goes out without wood,
    and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

²¹ A quarrelsome person starts fights
    as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

²² Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

²³ As surely as a north wind brings rain,
    so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

⁸ Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

⁴ Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
    liars pay close attention to slander.

²⁸ A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
    gossip separates the best of friends.