Proverbs 26:20-26
New International Version
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.(A)
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.(C)
23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
are fervent[a] lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,(D)
but in their hearts they harbor deceit.(E)
25 Though their speech is charming,(F) do not believe them,
for seven abominations fill their hearts.(G)
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 26:23 Hebrew; Septuagint smooth
Proverbs 26:20-26
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.(A)
21 As charcoal is to hot embers and wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.(C)
23 Like the glaze[a] covering an earthen vessel
are smooth[b] lips with an evil heart.
24 An enemy dissembles in speaking
while harboring deceit within;(D)
25 when an enemy speaks graciously, do not believe it,
for there are seven abominations concealed within;(E)
26 though hatred is covered with guile,
the enemy’s wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.(F)
Proverbs 26:28
New International Version
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth(A) works ruin.
Proverbs 26:28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.(A)
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