⁵ A faithful witness does not lie,
    but he who breathes out falsehood is a witness of deceit.

⁴ Gentleness^[a] of tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it^[b] causes a break in spirit.

⁷ The lips of the wise will spread knowledge,
    but the heart^[a] of fools, not so.

²³ Joy belongs to a man with answers in his mouth,
    and a word in its time, how good it is!

²⁶ Plans of evil are an abomination of Yahweh,
    but gracious words are pure.

²⁸ A heart^[a] of righteousness will ponder the answer,
    but a mouth of wickedness will pour out deceit.

¹⁰ A decision is upon the lips of a king;
    in judgment his mouth will not sin.