Proverbs 26:21-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
21 Charcoal for coals, wood for fire—
such are the quarrelsome, enkindling strife.(A)
22 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels:
they sink into one’s inmost being.[a](B)
23 Like a glazed finish on earthenware
are smooth lips and a wicked heart.[b]
Footnotes
- 26:22 Malicious gossip is compared to delicious food that is swallowed and lodges in the deepest recesses of one’s body. Negative comments are seldom forgotten. Prv 18:8 is a duplicate.
- 26:23 Heart = what is within, and lips (words) = what is expressed, are compared to an earthenware jar covered with glaze.
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