^31 (A)The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
    but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
³² The lips of the righteous ^(B)know what is acceptable,
    but the mouth of the wicked, ^(C)what is perverse.

⁸ A man is commended according to his good sense,
    but one of twisted mind is ^(A)despised.

^4 (A)A gentle^[a] tongue is ^(B)a tree of life,
    but ^(C)perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

^21 (A)Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.

²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.