¹² A person without good sense finds fault with his neighbor.
    But a person with understanding keeps quiet.

¹⁸ Careless words stab like a sword.
    But wise words bring healing.

⁴ As a tree gives us fruit, healing words give us life.
    But evil words crush the spirit.

²⁷ An evil person makes evil plans.
    And his words are like a burning fire.

²³ The north wind brings rain.
    In the same way, telling gossip brings angry looks.

² Curses will not harm someone who is innocent.
    They are like sparrows or swallows that fly around and never land.