¹¹ Like a fountain of water, the words of a good person give life.
    But the words of the wicked contain nothing but violence.

⁴ As a tree gives us fruit, healing words give us life.
    But evil words crush the spirit.

²³ People enjoy giving good answers!
    Saying the right word at the right time is so pleasing!

²³ A wise person’s mind tells him what to say.
    This helps him to teach others better.

²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb.
    They make a person happy and healthy.

⁴ Understanding people’s words is as hard as getting water out of a deep well.
    But understanding wisdom is as easy as getting water from a flowing stream.

²¹ What you say can mean life or death.
    Those who love to talk will be rewarded for what they say.

²³ Kind words from a wicked mind
    are like a shiny coating on a clay pot.