16  There are ^dsix things that the Lord hates,

^dseven that are an abomination to him:

19  ^ja false witness who ^kbreathes out lies,

and one who ^asows discord among brothers.

12  Hatred stirs up strife,

but ^wlove covers all offenses.

9  With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,

but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

12  Whoever ^qbelittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man of understanding remains silent.

13  Whoever ^rgoes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

27  ^yA worthless man plots evil,

and his speech¹ is like ^za scorching fire.

28  ^aA dishonest man spreads strife,

and ^ba whisperer ^cseparates close friends.

4  An evildoer listens to wicked lips,

and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

9  Whoever ^zcovers an offense seeks love,

but he who repeats a matter ^aseparates close friends.

8  ^fThe words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into ^gthe inner parts of the body.

19  Whoever ^egoes about slandering reveals secrets;

therefore do not associate with ^fa simple babbler.¹

9  ^xArgue your case with your neighbor himself,

and do not reveal another’s secret,

10  lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,

and your ill repute have no end.

23  The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

20  For lack of wood the fire goes out,

and where there is no ^pwhisperer, ^qquarreling ceases.

21  As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,

so is ^ra quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22  ^sThe words of ^pa whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.

28  A lying tongue hates its victims,

and a flattering mouth works ruin.