Proverbs 26:20-26
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.(A)
21 As charcoal is to hot embers and wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.(C)
23 Like the glaze[a] covering an earthen vessel
are smooth[b] lips with an evil heart.
24 An enemy dissembles in speaking
while harboring deceit within;(D)
25 when an enemy speaks graciously, do not believe it,
for there are seven abominations concealed within;(E)
26 though hatred is covered with guile,
the enemy’s wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.(F)
Proverbs 26:28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.(A)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.