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

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,^(C)
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.^(D)

⁴ The soothing tongue^(A) is a tree of life,^(B)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.^(C)

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,^(A)
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(A)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(B)

²⁶ The Lord detests the thoughts^(A) of the wicked,^(B)
    but gracious words are pure^(C) in his sight.