²⁵ How forceful are upright words!
    But what does reproof from you reprove?

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

²¹ The wise of heart is called discerning,
    and sweetness of speech ^(A)increases persuasiveness.
²² Good sense is ^(B)a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.
^23 (C)The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
^24 (D)Gracious words are like ^(E)a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and ^(F)health to the body.

^18 (A)There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings ^(B)healing.

²⁵ If it is ^(A)not so, who will prove me a liar
    and show that there is nothing in what I say?”

³⁴ How then will you comfort me with empty nothings?
    There is nothing left of your answers but falsehood.”