Proverbs 26:21-28

21 Charcoal keeps the embers glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive.
22 Gossip is so tasty! How we love to swallow it!
23 Insincere talk that hides what you are really thinking is like a fine glaze on a cheap clay pot.
24 A hypocrite hides hate behind flattering words.
25 They may sound fine, but don't believe him, because his heart is filled to the brim with hate.
26 He may disguise his hatred, but everyone will see the evil things he does.
27 People who set traps for others get caught themselves. People who start landslides get crushed. 1
28 You have to hate someone to want to hurt him with lies. Insincere talk brings nothing but ruin.

Cross References 1

  • 1. +226.27Ben Sira 27.25-27.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. [One ancient translation] Insincere; [Hebrew] Burning.
  • [b]. [Probable text] fine glaze; [Hebrew] unrefined silver.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.