⁷ 
Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],
Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.

⁹ 
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

²⁷ 
He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words,
And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).^(A)
28 
Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.

⁴ 
The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

¹³ 
He who answers before he hears [the facts]—
It is folly and shame to him.^(A)