20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no [a]talebearer, strife ceases.
21 (A)As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a [b]talebearer are like [c]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [d]inmost body.

23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.

24 He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
25 (B)When [e]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 revealed before the assembly.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:20 gossip or slanderer, lit. whisperer
  2. Proverbs 26:22 gossip or slanderer
  3. Proverbs 26:22 A Jewish tradition wounds
  4. Proverbs 26:22 Lit. rooms of the belly
  5. Proverbs 26:25 Lit. his voice is gracious

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so, where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 As coals are 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 they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips and layeth up deceit within him;

25 when he speaketh fair believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shown before the whole congregation.

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28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
And a flattering mouth works (A)ruin.

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28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

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