16. In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17. A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not hisis like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
18. Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,
19. so is the man who deceives his neighborand says, “I was only joking! ”
20. Without wood, fire goes out;without a gossip, conflict dies down.
21. As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22. A gossip’s words are like choice foodthat goes down to one’s innermost being.
23. Smooth lips with an evil heartare like glaze on an earthen vessel.
24. A hateful person disguises himself with his speechand harbors deceit within.
25. When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him,for there are seven abominations in his heart.