²⁰ For lack of wood the fire goes out,
And where there is no ^(A)whisperer, ^(B)contention quiets down.
²¹ Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
So is a ^(C)contentious man to kindle strife.
²² The ^(D)words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the ^[a]innermost parts of the body.
²³ Like an earthen ^(E)vessel overlaid with silver ^(F)dross
Are burning lips and a wicked heart.
²⁴ He who ^(G)hates disguises it with his lips,
But he lays up ^(H)deceit in his ^[b]heart.
²⁵ When ^[c]he ^(I)speaks graciously, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart.
²⁶ Though his hatred ^(J)covers itself with guile,
His wickedness will be ^(K)revealed before the assembly.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates ^[a]those it crushes,
And a ^(A)flattering mouth works ruin.