^{17 Ref} Like one who grabs a dog's ears Is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.

^{18 Ref} Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,

^{19 Ref} Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"

^{20 Ref} For lack of wood a fire goes out; Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.

^{21 Ref} As coals are to hot embers, And wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindling strife.

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