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 (F)Like the ^(G)glaze^[a] covering an earthen vessel
    are fervent lips with an evil heart.
²⁴ Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
    and harbors deceit in his heart;
^25 (H)when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
    for there are ^(I)seven abominations in his heart;
²⁶ though his hatred be covered with deception,
    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

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