²⁶ He kisses the lips
Who gives ^[a]a right answer.

⁸ Do not go out ^(A)hastily to ^[a]argue your case;
^[b]Otherwise, what will you do in ^[c]the end,
When your neighbor humiliates you?
^9 [d](B)Argue your case with your neighbor,
And ^(C)do not reveal the secret of another,
¹⁰ Or he who hears it will reproach you,
And the evil report about you will not ^[e]pass away.

¹¹ Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a ^(A)word spoken in ^[a]right circumstances.
¹² Like ^[b]an ^(B)earring of gold and an ^(C)ornament of ^(D)fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a ^(E)listening ear.
¹³ Like the cold of snow in the ^[c]time of harvest
Is a ^(F)faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
¹⁴ Like ^(G)clouds and ^(H)wind without rain
Is a man who boasts ^[d]of his gifts falsely.
¹⁵ By ^[e](I)forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

²⁰ Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on ^[a]soda,
Is he who sings songs to ^[b]a troubled heart.