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20 For lack of wood a fire goes out.
    Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
21 As coals are to hot embers,
    and wood to fire,
    so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
    they go down into the innermost parts.
23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel
    are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
    but he harbors evil in his heart.
25 When his speech is charming, don’t believe him,
    for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 His malice may be concealed by deception,
    but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

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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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28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts;
    and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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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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