⁵ An honest witness does not deceive,
but a dishonest witness utters lies.^(A)

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

² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^(C)

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^(A)
but a devious tongue^[a] breaks the spirit.

⁷ The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.

²³ A person takes joy in giving an answer;^[a]
and a timely word—how good that is!^(A)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,
but pleasant words are pure.^(A)

²⁸ The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,^(A)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^(B)

16 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.^(A)

¹⁰ God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;^[a](A)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.^(B)

¹³ Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.