Proverbs 16:26

People should not be lazy. See Proverbs 6:6-11. They should work to earn what they need. This is a natural way to behave. Our hunger reminds us that we should work. See 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10.

v27 An evil man makes evil plans.

His words are like fire. They burn and destroy.

v28 An evil man starts arguments.

A person who gossips turns friends into enemies.

v29 A cruel man uses force on his neighbour.

He wants to make him go along a dangerous path.

v30 A man shuts his eye for a moment. He is plotting an evil plan.

With a quick movement of his lips, he arranges his evil plot.

Verses 27-30 are about different types of people who cause trouble. They have many different methods to cause trouble:

• lies and insults (verse 27)

• gossip and whispers (verse 28)

• the use of force (verse 29)

• silent signals (verse 30).