16 The sluggard is (A)wiser in his own eyes
    (B)than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws (C)firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
    and where there is no (D)whisperer, (E)quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
    so is (F)a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 (G)The words of (H)a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 (I)Like the (J)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 (K)when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
    for there are (L)seven abominations in his heart;
26 though his hatred be covered with deception,
    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:23 By revocalization; Hebrew silver of dross

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Holy Bible, Dyslexia-Friendly Edition--hardcover, blue
ESV Holy Bible, Dyslexia-Friendly Edition--hardcover, blue
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $14.61
Save: $25.38 (63%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Complete Bible on MP3-CD
ESV Complete Bible on MP3-CD
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $7.98
Save: $52.01 (87%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather
Retail: $114.99
Our Price: $56.91
Save: $58.08 (51%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Action Study Bible--soft leather-look, blue
ESV Action Study Bible--soft leather-look, blue
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $22.99
Save: $22.00 (49%)
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
Retail: $199.60
Our Price: $91.60
Save: $108.00 (54%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--hardcover
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--hardcover
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $29.62
Save: $30.37 (51%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars