15 A gentle answer turns away rage,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.

⁴ A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit.

⁷ The lips of wise people spread knowledge,
but a foolish attitude does not.

²³ A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth,
and a timely word—oh, how good!

²⁶ The thoughts of evil people are disgusting to the Lord,
but pleasant words are pure to him.