Proverbs 26:19-24 New Century Version (NCV)

19. is the one who tricks a neighborand then says, “I was just joking.”

20. Without wood, a fire will go out,and without gossip, quarreling will stop.

21. Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going,a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going.

22. The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food;people like to gobble them up.

23. Kind words from a wicked mindare like a shiny coating on a clay pot.

24. Those who hate you may try to fool you with their words,but in their minds they are planning evil.

Proverbs 26