17 Like one who seizes a dog`s ears Is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out; Where there is no gossip, a quarrel dies down.
21 As coals are to hot embers, And wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, They go down into the innermost parts.
23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel Are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
