¹² Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a person with understanding keeps silent.^(A)

¹⁸ There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;^(A)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(B)

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^(A)
but a devious tongue^[a] breaks the spirit.

²⁷ A worthless person digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.^(A)

²³ The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

² Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow,^(A)
an undeserved curse goes nowhere.^(B)