⁸ The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.^(A)

²⁸ A perverse person stirs up conflict,^(A)
    and a gossip separates close friends.^(B)

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,^(A)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(B)

²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;
    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.^(A)
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.^(B)
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.^(C)

³ They sharpen their tongues like swords^(A)
    and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.^(B)
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;^(C)
    they shoot suddenly, without fear.^(D)