^{17 Ref} He that passeth by, `and' vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is `like' one that taketh a dog by the ears.

^{18 Ref} As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,

^{19 Ref} So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?

^{20 Ref} For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.

^{21 Ref} `As' coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.

^{22 Ref} The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.