Sirach 28:12-14

Common English Bible

¹² If you blow on a spark, it will flame up,
    and if you spit on it, it will go out;
    nonetheless, both come out
    of your mouth.

¹³ A curse on slanderers and the deceitful,^[a]
    because they have destroyed many
    who are at peace.
¹⁴ Slander^[b] has shaken up many people,
    scattered them from nation to nation,
    demolished mighty cities,
    and overthrown the houses
    of dignitaries.