When The Fire Goes Out

17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with (A) strife not belonging to him.

18 Like a madman who throws (B) firebrands, arrows and death, 19 So is the man who (C) deceives his neighbor, and says, "(D) Was I not joking?"

20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no (E) whisperer, (F) contention quiets down.

21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a (G) contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The (H) words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

23 Like an earthen (I) vessel overlaid with silver (J) dross are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24 He who (K) hates disguises it with his lips, but he lays up (L) deceit in his heart.

25 When he (M) speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Though his hatred (N) covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be (O) revealed before the assembly.

27 He who (P) digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a (Q) flattering mouth works ruin.

-Proverbs 26:17-28