²³ Like impure silver^[a] which overlays an earthen vessel,
    so are smooth lips and an evil heart^[b].
²⁴ On his lips, an enemy will pretend,
    but inside^[c] he will harbor deceit.
²⁵ When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him,
    for seven abominations are in his heart.
²⁶ Though hatred is covered with guile,
    its evil will be exposed in the assembly.

⁴ Those who forsake instruction will praise the wicked,
    but they who guard instruction will struggle against them.

⁷ The righteous knows the case of the poor,
    but the wicked does not understand knowledge.

¹² A ruler listening to a word of falsehood,
    all his officials are wicked.