Proverbs 26:20-26
World English Bible
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.
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
World English Bible
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts;
and a flattering mouth 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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