¹⁹ Whoever ^(A)goes about slandering reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with ^(B)a simple babbler.^[a]

^9 (A)Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not reveal another's secret,
¹⁰ lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

²³ The north wind brings forth rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

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.

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