²³ The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

²⁷ Scoundrels concoct evil,
    and their speech is like a scorching fire.^(A)

⁵ Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.^(A)

⁷ Excess speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a ruler.^[a]