²⁰ For lack of wood, a fire goes out,
    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling will cease.
²¹ As charcoal is to hot embers and wood is to fire,
    so a man of quarrels is to kindling strife.
²² The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels,
    and they go down to the inner parts of the body.
²³ Like impure silver^[a] which overlays an earthen vessel,
    so are smooth lips and an evil heart^[b].
²⁴ On his lips, an enemy will pretend,
    but inside^[c] he will harbor deceit.
²⁵ When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him,
    for seven abominations are in his heart.
²⁶ Though hatred is covered with guile,
    its evil will be exposed in the assembly.

²⁸ A tongue of deceit hates its victim,
    and a flattering mouth makes ruin.