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

⁴ A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

²³ To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone,
    and a word in season, how good it is!^(A)

²³ The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

⁴ The words of the mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.^(A)

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.^(A)

²³ Like the glaze^[a] covering an earthen vessel
    are smooth^[b] lips with an evil heart.