Proverbs 26:13-28

A lazy person says, “There’s a ferocious lion out on the road! There’s a lion loose in the streets!” ⌞As⌟ a door turns on its hinges, so the lazy person turns on his bed. A lazy person puts his fork in his food. He wears himself out as he brings it back to his mouth. A lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven people who give a sensible answer. ⌞Like⌟ grabbing a dog by the ears, ⌞so⌟ is a bystander who gets involved in someone else’s quarrel. Like a madman who shoots flaming arrows, arrows, and death, so is the person who tricks his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Without wood a fire goes out, and without gossip a quarrel dies down. ⌞As⌟ charcoal fuels burning coals and wood fuels fire, so a quarrelsome person fuels a dispute. The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person’s innermost being. ⌞Like⌟ a clay pot covered with cheap silver, ⌞so⌟ is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart. Whoever is filled with hate disguises it with his speech, but inside he holds on to deceit. When he talks charmingly, do not trust him because of the seven disgusting things in his heart. His hatred is deceitfully hidden, but his wickedness will be revealed to the community. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.