Proverbs chapter 26

vs 20

Of course, not all quarrels start because of or are fuelled by gossip. But when they are, they burn a lot longer.

vs 21

I think I've gotten a lot better than I used to be. But sometimes I just feel that urge to start an argument for no real reason. It's dumb. No idea why I do it - something to do with just wanting attention, perhaps, or wanting to be right, or feel special. But at least I seem to do it less now.

vs 22

In fact, they can be very tasty. Getting the inside scoop, as it were. But it also infects you like a disease.

vs 23

Just because it's shiny on the inside doesn't mean it's silver all the way down.

vs 24

Just building on the verse before. The fervent lips are a disguise, actively hiding the evil underneath. They are enemies, after all, what do you expect?

vs 25

Seven! That's a lot of abominations... whatever that means. But charming speech can cover that up, and so it's important to not just listen to someone's words, but to try and uncover their heart. But as those of us who are sweettalkers know, this is quite difficult to do, and most people are oddly trusting.

vs 26

It does come out eventually. Even if you don't get exposed per se, if someone watches you long enough, they will see things that point out your heart's real direction. Of course, if they confront you about it, you can probably just sweet talk them again. Vicious circle.

vs 27

Being one thing and saying another does eventually come back to bite you. Lies are great in the short term, but they get harder and harder to sustain over time. Better to just tell the truth, and suffer consequences in the short term. Hard habit to break, though, the lies-upon-lies.

vs 28

A good summary verse. I'm not sure about the flattery thing though. I guess there is a difference between encouragement and flattery.