15 A gentle answer turns away anger,^(A)
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.^(B)

² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^(C)

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^(A)
but a devious tongue^[a] breaks the spirit.

⁷ The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.

²³ A man takes joy in giving an answer;^[a]
and a timely word—how good that is!^(A)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.^(A)