⁸ The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

¹⁶ Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor; I am the LORD.

²⁸ A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

² The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

¹⁸ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

²⁰ Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

²¹ As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

²² The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

³ Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

⁴ That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.