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

⁴ The soothing tongue^(A) is a tree of life,^(B)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.^(C)

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply^(A)—
    and how good is a timely word!^(B)

²³ The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,^(A)
    and their lips promote instruction.^[a](B)

²⁴ Gracious words are a honeycomb,^(C)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.^(D)

⁴ The words of the mouth are deep waters,^(A)
    but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,^(A)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(B)

²³ Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
    are fervent^[a] lips with an evil heart.