¹⁸ The one who hides his hatred while pretending to be your friend
is nothing but a liar.
But the one who slanders you behind your back
proves that he’s a fool, never to be trusted.
¹⁹ If you keep talking, it won’t be long
before you’re saying something really wrong.
Prove you’re wise from the very start—
just bite your tongue and be strong!
²⁰ The teachings of the godly ones are like pure silver,
bringing words of redemption to others,^[a]
but the heart of the wicked is corrupt.