Proverbs 26:20-26
New King James Version
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no [a]talebearer, strife ceases.
21 (A)As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a [b]talebearer are like [c]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [d]inmost body.
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
25 (B)When [e]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 revealed before the assembly.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 26:20 gossip or slanderer, lit. whisperer
- Proverbs 26:22 gossip or slanderer
- Proverbs 26:22 A Jewish tradition wounds
- Proverbs 26:22 Lit. rooms of the belly
- Proverbs 26:25 Lit. his voice is gracious
Proverbs 26:28
New King James Version
28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works (A)ruin.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.