¹⁸ Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips^(A)
    and spreads slander is a fool.

¹⁹ Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.^(B)

³¹ From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,^(A)
    but a perverse tongue^(B) will be silenced.

³² The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,^(C)
    but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.^(D)

¹³ Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,^(A)
    and so the innocent escape trouble.^(B)

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

¹⁷ An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.^(A)

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

15 A gentle answer^(A) turns away wrath,^(B)
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

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

²³ The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,^(A)
    and their lips promote instruction.^[a](B)

²⁸ A perverse person stirs up conflict,^(A)
    and a gossip separates close friends.^(B)

¹³ To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.^(A)