¹² Whoever belittles another lacks sense,
    but an intelligent person remains silent.^(A)

¹⁸ Rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(A)

⁴ A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

²⁷ Scoundrels concoct evil,
    and their speech is like a scorching fire.^(A)

²³ The north wind produces rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.^(A)

² Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
    an undeserved curse goes nowhere.^(A)