⁴ A tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
But perversion in it breaks the spirit.

²³ A ^(A)man has gladness in an ^[a]apt answer,
And how good is a timely ^(B)word!

²³ The ^(A)heart of the wise gives insight to his mouth
And increases learning to his lips.
^24 (B)Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and ^(C)healing to the bones.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are ^(A)deep waters;
^[a]The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.

^21 (A)Death and life are in the ^[a]power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its ^(B)fruit.

²³ Like an earthen ^(A)vessel overlaid with silver ^(B)dross
Are fiery lips and an evil heart.