¹⁶ There are six things the Lord hates.
    There are seven things he cannot stand:

¹² Hatred stirs up trouble.
    But love forgives all wrongs.

⁹ By his words an evil person can destroy his neighbor.
    But a good person will escape by being smart.

¹² A person without good sense finds fault with his neighbor.
    But a person with understanding keeps quiet.

¹³ A person who gossips can’t keep secrets.
    But a trustworthy person can keep a secret.

²⁷ An evil person makes evil plans.
    And his words are like a burning fire.

²⁸ An evil person causes trouble.
    And a person who gossips ruins friendships.

⁴ An evil person listens to evil words.
    A liar pays attention to cruel words.

⁹ Whoever forgives someone’s sin makes a friend.
    But the one who tells about the sin breaks up friendships.

⁸ The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food.
    People take them all in.

¹⁹ Gossips can’t keep secrets.
    So avoid people who talk too much.