15 ^(A)A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but ^(B)a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
    but ^(C)the mouths of fools pour out folly.

^4 (A)A gentle^[a] tongue is ^(B)a tree of life,
    but ^(C)perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

^7 (A)The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    ^(B)not so the hearts of fools.^[a]

²³ To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
    and ^(A)a word in season, how good it is!