⁷ 
Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],
Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.

⁹ 
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

²⁷ 
He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words,
And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).^(A)
28 
Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.

⁴ 
The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

¹³ 
He who answers before he hears [the facts]—
It is folly and shame to him.^(A)

¹⁷ 
The first one to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and cross-examines him.

²⁰ 
A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;
He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.
²¹ 
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.^(A)

³ 
It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight],
But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].

¹¹ 
He who loves purity of heart
And whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.