²⁴ Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

¹⁸ Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

¹³ My child,^[a] eat honey, for it is good,
    and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
¹⁴ In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.
    If you find it, you will have a bright future,
    and your hopes will not be cut short.

²² for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

¹¹ Timely advice is lovely,
    like golden apples in a silver basket.

¹² To one who listens, valid criticism
    is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

¹⁶ Everything in me will celebrate
    when you speak what is right.

⁹ The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold,
    even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
    even honey dripping from the comb.