Proverbs 26:16-28

¹⁶The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.

¹⁷He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

¹⁸As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,

¹⁹So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?

²⁰For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.

²¹As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.

²²The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.

²³Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.

²⁴He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him:

²⁵When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart:

²⁶Though his hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.

²⁷Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.

²⁸A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.