⁴ A wicked person listens to malicious talk;^[a]
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

⁷ Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.

²⁰ One with a twisted mind will not succeed,
and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.^(A)

²⁷ The one who has knowledge restrains his words,^(A)
and one who keeps a cool head^[a]
is a person of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent—
discerning, when he seals his lips.^(B)