²⁵ A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful.^(A)

⁴ The soothing tongue^(A) is a tree of life,^(B)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.^(C)

²⁷ The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,^(A)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.^(B)

²⁸ Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.^(C)

⁸ The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.^(A)

¹⁸ Like a maniac shooting
    flaming arrows of death
¹⁹ is one who deceives their neighbor
    and says, “I was only joking!”

⁵ Those who flatter their neighbors
    are spreading nets for their feet.^(A)