Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.