⁴ A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    not so the minds of fools.

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

²⁶ Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord,
    but gracious words are pure.^(A)