¹⁸ Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips^(A)
    and spreads slander is a fool.

¹⁹ Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.^(B)

²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

²¹ The lips of the righteous nourish many,
    but fools die for lack of sense.^(C)

³¹ From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,^(A)
    but a perverse tongue^(B) will be silenced.

³² The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,^(C)
    but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.^(D)

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,^(A)
    but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.^(B)

¹² Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,^(C)
    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.^(D)

¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence,^(E)
    but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.^(F)

¹³ Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,^(A)
    and so the innocent escape trouble.^(B)

¹⁴ From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,^(C)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.^(D)

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,^(A)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(B)

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

²² The Lord detests lying lips,^(A)
    but he delights^(B) in people who are trustworthy.^(C)

²³ The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,^(D)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.^(E)

² From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,^(A)
    but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

³ Those who guard their lips^(B) preserve their lives,^(C)
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.^(D)

³ A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,^(A)
    but the lips of the wise protect them.^(B)

15 A gentle answer^(A) turns away wrath,^(B)
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,^(C)
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.^(D)