²³ A wise person’s thoughts^[a] control his words,
    and his speech promotes instruction.
²⁴ Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb—
    sweet to the soul and healing for the body.^[b]

²⁷ A worthless person concocts evil gossip^[a]—
    his lips are like a burning fire.

⁷ Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool;
    how much more are deceitful statements^[a] with a prince!

⁹ Anyone who overlooks^[a] an offense promotes love,
    but someone who gossips separates close friends.

²⁷ Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable;
    anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding.
²⁸ Even a fool is thought to be wise when he remains silent;
    he is thought to be prudent when he keeps his mouth shut.

⁴ The words a man says are as deep waters—
    a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

¹³ Whoever answers before listening
    is both foolish and shameful.

¹⁷ The first to put forth his case seems right,
    until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.

²⁰ The positive words that a man speaks^[a] fill his stomach;
    he will be satisfied with what his lips produce.
²¹ The power of the tongue is life and death—
    those who love to talk^[b] will eat what it produces.