10 The one who hires a fool or who hires those passing by
is like an archer who wounds everyone indiscriminately.

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10 An archer who shoots at anyone—
    is like someone who hires a fool or anyone who passes by.

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24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech
and harbors deceit within.
25 When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him,
for there are seven detestable things in his heart.(A)
26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception,
his evil will be revealed in the assembly.
27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it,
and whoever rolls a stone—
it will come back on him.(B)
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

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24 Someone who hates hides behind his words,
    harboring deceit within himself.
25 Though he speaks graciously, don’t believe him,
    for there are seven detestable things in his heart.
26 Though malice disguises itself with deception,
    its evil will be exposed publicly.

27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
    and the stone will come back
        on whoever starts it rolling.
28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

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The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,(A)
but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.(B)

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Wounds from someone who loves are trustworthy,
    but kisses from an enemy speak volumes.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:6 Lit. enemy are profuse

A person who flatters his neighbor
spreads a net for his feet.(A)

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A strong man who flatters his neighbor
    is setting a trap where he walks.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:5 Lit. trap for his footsteps