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

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.

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

¹⁸ Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

² All day long you plot destruction.
    Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;
    you’re an expert at telling lies.

³ They sharpen their tongues like swords
    and aim their bitter words like arrows.
⁴ They shoot from ambush at the innocent,
    attacking suddenly and fearlessly.