Proverbs 26:18-28

26:18 Like a madman who shoots

firebrands and deadly arrows,

26:19 so is a person who deceives his neighbor,

and says, “Was I not only joking?”

26:20 Where there is no wood, a fire goes out,

and where there is no gossip, contention ceases.

26:21 Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,

so is a contentious person to kindle strife.

26:22 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels;

they go down into a person’s innermost being.

26:23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware

are fervent lips with an evil heart.

26:24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips,

but he stores up deceit within him.

26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,

for there are seven abominations within him.

26:26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit,

his evil will be uncovered in the assembly.

26:27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it;

the one who rolls a stone – it will come back on him.

26:28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.