¹² He who belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
    but a man of understanding remains silent.

¹⁸ There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

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

²⁷ A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech is like a scorching fire.

²³ The north wind brings forth rain;
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

² Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
    a curse that is causeless does not alight.