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

⁴ The Sovereign Lord^(A) has given me a well-instructed tongue,^(B)
    to know the word that sustains the weary.^(C)
He wakens me morning by morning,^(D)
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.^(E)

¹¹ Like apples^[a] of gold in settings of silver^(A)
    is a ruling rightly given.
¹² Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.^(B)

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

¹³ Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value the one who speaks what is right.^(A)

²⁶ An honest answer
    is like a kiss on the lips.