11 (A)The mouth of the righteous is (B)a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked (C)conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife,
    but (D)love covers all offenses.
13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
    but (E)a rod is for the back of him who (F)lacks sense.
14 The wise (G)lay up knowledge,
    but (H)the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
15 (I)A rich man's wealth is his strong city;
    the poverty of the poor is their ruin.
16 The wage of the righteous leads (J)to life,
    the gain of the wicked to sin.
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on (K)the path to life,
    but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
    and whoever utters slander is a fool.
19 (L)When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    (M)but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
20 The tongue of the righteous is (N)choice silver;
    the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Gospel of John, Paperback
ESV Gospel of John, Paperback
Retail: $3.99
Our Price: $1.17
Save: $2.82 (71%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Romans, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Romans, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $3.07
Save: $3.92 (56%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Action Study Bible--soft leather-look, blue
ESV Action Study Bible--soft leather-look, blue
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $22.99
Save: $22.00 (49%)
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
Retail: $199.60
Our Price: $91.60
Save: $108.00 (54%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars
Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $3.00 (33%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars