²⁰ Without wood, a fire will go out,
    and without gossip, quarreling will stop.

²¹ Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going,
    a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going.

²² The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food;
    people like to gobble them up.

²³ Kind words from a wicked mind
    are like a shiny coating on a clay pot.

²⁴ Those who hate you may try to fool you with their words,
    but in their minds they are planning evil.
²⁵ People’s words may be kind, but don’t believe them,
    because their minds are full of evil thoughts.
²⁶ Lies can hide hate,
    but the evil will be plain to everyone.

²⁸ Liars hate the people they hurt,
    and false praise can ruin others.