²⁰ A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].^(A)

³⁷ For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

¹² What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good?

¹³ Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

¹⁰ For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).