Contention heats the spirit, and puts families and societies into a flame. And that fire is commonly
kindled and kept burning by whisperers and backbiters.
Verse 23
A wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.Verses 24–26
Always distrust when a man speaks fair unless you know him well. Satan, in his temptations,
speaks fair, as he did to Eve; but it is madness to give credit to him.
Verse 27
What pains men take to do mischief to others! but it is digging a pit, it is rolling a stone, hard
work; and they prepare mischief to themselves.
Verse 28
There are two sorts of lies equally detestable. A slandering lie, the mischief of this every body
sees. A flattering lie, which secretly works ruin. A wise man will be more afraid of a flatterer than
of a slanderer.
Chapter 27
Verse 1
We know not what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid preparing for to-morrow, but
presuming upon to-morrow. We must not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing
needful.
Verse 2
There may be occasion for us to justify ourselves, but not to praise ourselves.Verses 3, 4
Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load.Verses 5, 6