26 A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. 27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. 28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
Proverbs 16:26–28
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 28:8–10
8 Abstain from strife, and you will diminish your sins, for a passionate man will kindle strife. (WEB) 9 A man who is a sinner will trouble friends and sow discord among those who are at peace. (WEB) 10 As is the fuel of the fire, so it will burn; and as the stoutness of the stri… (WEB)
Proverbs 17:19–21
19 He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction. 20 The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. 21 A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.
Proverbs 6:13–15
13 winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. 14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. 15 Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.
Proverbs 17:10–12
10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him. 12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 17:3–5
3 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts. 4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue. 5 He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 26:20–22
20 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. 21 Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. 22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
Proverbs 29:21–23
21 A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
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