²³ The heart^[a] of the wise will make his mouth judicious,
    and upon his lips, it^[b] will add persuasiveness.
²⁴ Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.

²⁷ A man of wickedness concocts evil,
    and his lips are like a scorching fire.

⁵ He who mocks the poor insults him who made him;
    he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

⁷ Fine speech^[a] is not becoming a fool,
    still less^[b] is false speech^[c] for a ruler.

⁹ He who forgives an affront fosters love,
    but he who waits on a matter will alienate a friend.