15 A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger.
    But an unkind answer will cause more anger.

² Wise people use knowledge when they speak.
    But fools speak only foolishness.

⁴ As a tree gives us fruit, healing words give us life.
    But evil words crush the spirit.

⁷ With their words wise people spread knowledge.
    But there is no knowledge in the thoughts of the foolish.

²³ People enjoy giving good answers!
    Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing!

²⁶ The Lord hates evil thoughts.
    But he is pleased with kind words.