²³ The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,
And adds learning to his lips.

²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

^27 [a]An ungodly man digs up evil,
And it is on his lips like a burning ^(A)fire.

^5 (A)He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
^(B)He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

⁷ Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.

^9 (A)He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But ^(B)he who repeats a matter separates friends.

^27 (A)He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
^28 (B)Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

^4 (A)The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
^(B)The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

¹³ He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

¹⁷ The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.