15 A ^(A)gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a ^[a](B)harsh word stirs up anger.
² The ^(C)tongue of the wise makes knowledge look good,
But the ^(D)mouth of ^[b]fools pours forth ^[c]folly.

⁴ A tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
But perversion in it breaks the spirit.

⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,
But the hearts of fools are not so.

²³ A ^(A)man has gladness in an ^[a]apt answer,
And how good is a timely ^(B)word!

²⁶ Evil thoughts are an abomination to Yahweh,
But pleasant words are pure.