21A quarrelsome person starts fights

as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

22Rumors are dainty morsels

that sink deep into one’s heart.

23Smooth* words may hide a wicked heart,

just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

24People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,

but they’re deceiving you.

25They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.

Their hearts are full of many evils.*

26While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,

their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

27If you set a trap for others,

you will get caught in it yourself.

If you roll a boulder down on others,

it will crush you instead.

28A lying tongue hates its victims,

and flattering words cause ruin.