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

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

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

⁸ The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.^(A)

¹⁸ She is a tree of life^(A) to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.^(B)

¹⁴ The human spirit can endure in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?^(A)