Proverbs 26:20-26
English Standard Version
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no (A)whisperer, (B)quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
so is (C)a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 (D)The words of (E)a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 (F)Like the (G)glaze[a] covering an earthen vessel
are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
and harbors deceit in his heart;
25 (H)when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
for there are (I)seven abominations in his heart;
26 though his hatred be covered with deception,
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 26:23 By revocalization; Hebrew silver of dross
Proverbs 26:20-26
Holman Christian Standard Bible
20 Without wood, fire goes out;
without a gossip, conflict dies down.(A)
21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.(B)
22 A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.[a](C)
23 Smooth[b] lips with an evil heart
are like glaze on an earthen vessel.(D)
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 abominations in his heart.(E)
26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception,
his evil will be revealed in the assembly.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 26:22 Lit to the chambers of the belly
- Proverbs 26:23 LXX; MT reads Burning
Proverbs 26:28
English Standard Version
28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Proverbs 26:28
Holman Christian Standard Bible
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.