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

²¹ Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech^[a] increases learning.^(A)

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb:^(A)
sweet to the taste^[a] and health to the body.^[b](B)

¹¹ A word spoken at the right time
is like gold apples in silver settings.^(A)

¹⁴ If one blesses his neighbor
with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be counted as a curse to him.