⁴ The soothing tongue^(A) is a tree of life,^(B)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.^(C)

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(A)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(B)

²¹ The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.^[a](A)

²³ The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,^(A)
    and their lips promote instruction.^[a](B)

²⁴ Gracious words are a honeycomb,^(C)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.^(D)