²⁰ For lack of wood the fire goeth out;
And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
²¹ As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
²² The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts.
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.

²⁸ A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath ^[a]wounded;
And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.