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12 Whoever puts down another is not wise,
    but one who knows better keeps quiet.

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12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,(A)
    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.(B)

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18 Thoughtless words cut deeply like a thrusting sword,
    but the speech of the wise is a healing balm.

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

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A word of encouragement heals the one who receives it,
    but a deceitful word breaks the spirit.

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

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27 Good-for-nothings conjure up evil ideas;
    their conversations fuel destructive fires.

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27 A scoundrel(A) plots evil,
    and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.(B)

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Acts of kindness, especially when we know they are undeserved, awaken a slumbering conscience, stimulate sorrow, and perhaps even effect a change. They are the best ways to turn an enemy into a friend.

23 As surely as a north wind drives the rain before it,
    a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

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23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
    is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

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Like a bird that flits and flutters or a swallow in mid-flight,
    so a curse that lacks cause will never come to light.

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Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
    an undeserved curse does not come to rest.(A)

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