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20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
    so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
    so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds,
    and go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart
    are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates dissembles with his lips,
    and lays up deceit within him;
25 when 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 shown before the whole congregation.

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20 For lack of wood the fire goeth out;
And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts.
23 Fervent lips and a wicked heart
Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips;
But he layeth up deceit within him:
25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not;
For there are seven abominations in his heart:
26 Though his hatred cover itself with guile,
His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.

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28 A lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it,
    and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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28 A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath [a]wounded;
And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:28 Hebrew crushed.