¹¹ The ^(A)mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
But ^(B)the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

⁴ A ^[a]soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it ^[b]crushes the spirit.

²³ A ^(A)person has joy in an ^[a]apt answer,
And how delightful is a timely ^(B)word!

²³ The ^(A)heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds ^[a]persuasiveness to his lips.
^24 (B)Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and ^(C)healing to the bones.

⁴ The words of a person’s mouth are ^(A)deep waters;
^[a]The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

^21 (A)Death and life are in the ^[a]power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its ^(B)fruit.

²³ Like an earthenware ^(A)vessel overlaid with silver ^[a](B)impurities
Are burning lips and a wicked heart.