22 A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.[a](A)

23 Smooth[b] lips with an evil heart
are like glaze on an earthen vessel.(B)
24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech
and harbors deceit within.

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Footnotes

  1. 26:22 Lit to the chambers of the belly
  2. 26:23 LXX; MT reads Burning

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.(A)

23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
    are fervent[a] lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,(B)
    but in their hearts they harbor deceit.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:23 Hebrew; Septuagint smooth