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

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,^(C)
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.^(D)

¹⁸ Like a maniac shooting
    flaming arrows of death
¹⁹ is one who deceives their neighbor
    and says, “I was only joking!”

²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;
    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.^(A)
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.^(B)
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.^(C)

²³ Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
    are fervent^[a] lips with an evil heart.

²² The Lord detests lying lips,^(A)
    but he delights^(B) in people who are trustworthy.^(C)

²⁵ Anxiety weighs down the heart,^(A)
    but a kind word cheers it up.