¹¹ The ·words [^Lmouth] of a ·good [righteous] person ·give life, like a fountain of water [^Lis a fountain of life],
but the ·words [^Lmouth] of the wicked ·contain nothing but [conceals] violence.

⁴ ·As a tree gives fruit, healing words give life [^LA healthy/healing tongue is a tree of life],
but ·dishonest [deceitful; perverse] words crush the spirit.

²³ People enjoy giving ·good advice [^La right reply].
Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing.

²³ Wise people’s ·minds [hearts] ·tell them what to say [^Lprovide insight to their mouth],
and that ·helps them be better teachers [enhances their teaching].

²⁴ Pleasant words are like ·a honeycomb [liquid honey],
·making people happy and healthy [^Lsweet to the taste and healing to the bones].

⁴ ·Spoken words [^LThe words of a person’s mouth] can be like deep water,
·but [or and] the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.