⁴ A ^[a]wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

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

^20 (A)A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

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

^18 (A)A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.