¹² He who ^[a]is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace.

⁴ A ^[a]wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

^27 [a]An ungodly man digs up evil,
And it is on his lips like a burning ^(A)fire.

²³ The north wind brings forth rain,
And ^(A)a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

² Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
So ^(A)a curse without cause shall not alight.

¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore ^(A)stop contention before a quarrel starts.

¹⁹ He who loves transgression loves strife,
And ^(A)he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

^3 (A)It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
Since any fool can start a quarrel.

^10 (A)Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.