16 The lazy
man is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 He who passes by
and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 Is the man
who deceives his neighbor,
And says,
a“I was only joking!”
20 Where
there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where
there is no
1 talebearer, strife ceases.
21 aAs charcoal
is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
So
is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a
1 talebearer
are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the
1 inmost body.
23 Fervent lips with a wicked heart
Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
24 He who hates, disguises
it with his lips,
And lays up deceit within himself;
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
