²⁰ Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:
so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

²¹ As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire;
so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

²² The words of a talebearer are as wounds,
and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

²³ Burning lips and a wicked heart
are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

²⁴ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips,
and layeth up deceit within him;

²⁵ when he speaketh fair, believe him not:
for there are seven abominations in his heart.

²⁶ Whose hatred is covered by deceit,
his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

²⁸ A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it;
and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.