²⁵ Anxiety weighs down the heart,^(A)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

²⁴ Gracious words are a honeycomb,^(A)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.^(B)

¹³ A happy heart makes the face cheerful,^(A)
    but heartache crushes the spirit.^(B)

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed^(A) spirit dries up the bones.^(B)

⁴ The Sovereign Lord^(A) has given me a well-instructed tongue,^(B)
    to know the word that sustains the weary.^(C)
He wakens me morning by morning,^(D)
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.^(E)

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(A)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(B)

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,^(A)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(B)

⁹ Perfume^(A) and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.