²³ Fervent lips and a wicked heart
Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
²⁴ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips;
But he layeth up deceit within him:
²⁵ When he speaketh fair, believe him not;
For there are seven abominations in his heart:
²⁶ Though his hatred cover itself with guile,
His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.

⁴ They that forsake the law praise the wicked;
But such as keep the law contend with them.

⁷ The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor;
The wicked ^[a]hath not understanding to know it.

¹² If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood,
All his servants are wicked.