Proverbs 26:16-26

¹⁶The sluggard is wiser in his owne conceite, then seuen men that can render a reason.

¹⁷He that passeth by and medleth with the strife that belongeth not vnto him, is as one that taketh a dog by the eares.

¹⁸As he that faineth himselfe mad, casteth fire brands, arrowes, and mortall things,

¹⁹So dealeth the deceitfull man with his friend and sayth, Am not I in sport?

²⁰Without wood the fire is quenched, and without a talebearer strife ceaseth.

²¹As ye cole maketh burning coles, and wood a fire, so the contentious man is apt to kindle strife.

²²The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.

²³As siluer drosse ouerlayde vpon a potsheard, so are burning lips, and an euill heart.

²⁴He that hateth, will counterfaite with his lips, but in his heart he layeth vp deceite.

²⁵Though he speake fauourably, beleeue him not: for there are seuen abominations in his heart.

²⁶Hatred may be couered by deceite: but the malice thereof shall be discouered in the congregation.