¹² Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
    but the discerning man controls his comments.

⁴ A gentle statement^[a] is a tree of life,
    but perverted speech shatters the spirit.

²⁷ A worthless person concocts evil gossip^[a]—
    his lips are like a burning fire.

²³ The north wind brings rain,
    and a backbiting tongue an angry look.

² Like a fluttering sparrow
    or a swallow in flight,
        a curse without cause will not alight.