²³ Like an earthen ^(A)vessel overlaid with silver ^(B)dross
Are burning lips and a wicked heart.
²⁴ He who ^(C)hates disguises it with his lips,
But he lays up ^(D)deceit in his ^[a]heart.
²⁵ When ^[b]he ^(E)speaks graciously, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart.
²⁶ Though his hatred ^(F)covers itself with guile,
His wickedness will be ^(G)revealed before the assembly.

⁴ Those who forsake the law ^(A)praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law ^(B)strive with them.

⁷ The ^(A)righteous ^[a]is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such ^[b]concern.

¹² If a ^(A)ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.