¹² It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
    a sensible person keeps quiet.

¹⁸ Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

⁴ Gentle words are a tree of life;
    a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

²⁷ Scoundrels create trouble;
    their words are a destructive blaze.

²³ As surely as a north wind brings rain,
    so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

² Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
    an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.