²⁰ 
For lack of wood the fire goes out,
And where there is no whisperer [who gossips], contention quiets down.
²¹ 
Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.^(A)
22 
The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];
They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].^(B)
23 
Like a [common] clay vessel covered with the silver dross [making it appear silver when it has no real value]
Are burning lips [murmuring manipulative words] and a wicked heart.
²⁴ 
He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
But he stores up deceit in his heart.
²⁵ 
When he speaks graciously and kindly [to conceal his malice], do not trust him,
For seven abominations are in his heart.
²⁶ 
Though his hatred covers itself with guile and deceit,
His malevolence will be revealed openly before the assembly.

²⁸ 
A lying tongue hates those it wounds and crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.