17 Laying hold on the ears of a dog, [Is] a passer-by making himself wrath for strife not his own.
18 As [one] pretending to be feeble, Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,
19 So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, `Am not I playing?`
20 Without wood is fire going out, And without a tale-bearer, contention ceaseth,
21 Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, And a man of contentions to kindle strife.
22 The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
23 Silver of dross spread over potsherd, [Are] burning lips and an evil heart.
