²⁰ Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
    so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
²¹ As charcoal is 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 go down into the innermost parts of the body.

²³ Burning lips and a wicked heart
    are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
²⁴ He who hates dissembles with his lips,
    and lays up deceit within him;
²⁵ when he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
    for there are seven abominations in his heart;
²⁶ though his hatred is covered by deceit,
    his wickedness will be shown before the whole congregation.