⁵ A truthful witness doesn’t lie,
    but a false witness spews lies.

15 A sensitive answer turns back wrath,
    but an offensive word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity.

⁴ Wholesome speech is a tree of life,
    but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools have none.

²³ To give an appropriate answer is a joy;
    how good is a word at the right time!

²⁶ The Lord detests evil plans,
    but gracious words are pure.

²⁸ The righteous heart reflects before answering,
    but the wicked mouth blurts out evil.

16 To people belong the plans of the heart,
    but the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord.

¹⁰ A king’s speech is like an oracle;
    in a judgment, one can’t go against his words.

¹³ Kings favor those with righteous lips;
    they love words of integrity.