Add parallel Print Page Options

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Read full chapter

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;
    the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Read full chapter

27 Scoundrels concoct evil,
    and their speech is like a scorching fire.(A)

Read full chapter

27 Scoundrels create trouble;
    their words are a destructive blaze.

Read full chapter

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.(A)

Read full chapter

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

Read full chapter

Excess speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a ruler.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 17.7 Or a noble

Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

Read full chapter

One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
    but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.(A)

Read full chapter

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
    but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Read full chapter

27 One who spares words is knowledgeable;
    one who is cool in spirit has understanding.(A)
28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
    when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.(B)

Read full chapter

27 A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Read full chapter

The words of the mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.(A)

Read full chapter

Wise words are like deep waters;
    wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

Read full chapter

13 If one gives answer before hearing,
    it is folly and shame.(A)

Read full chapter

13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
    is both shameful and foolish.

Read full chapter

17 The one who first states a case seems right,
    until the other comes and cross-examines.

Read full chapter

17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
    until the cross-examination begins.

Read full chapter

20 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;
    the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.(A)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.(B)

Read full chapter

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    the right words bring satisfaction.

21 The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Read full chapter

It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)

Read full chapter

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
    only fools insist on quarreling.

Read full chapter

It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)

Read full chapter

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
    only fools insist on quarreling.

Read full chapter

11 Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech
    will have the king as a friend.(A)

Read full chapter

11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
    will have the king as a friend.

Read full chapter