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

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11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
    the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

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

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Gentle words are a tree of life;
    a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

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

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23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
    it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

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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.

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23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;
    the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

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

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Wise words are like deep waters;
    wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

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

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21 The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

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

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Footnotes

  1. 26.23 Cn: Heb silver of dross
  2. 26.23 Gk: Heb burning

23 Smooth[a] words may hide a wicked heart,
    just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

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Footnotes

  1. 26:23 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads Burning.