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)

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