1  ^zA soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2  ^aThe tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

4  ^cA gentle¹ tongue is a ^dtree of life,

but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

7  The lips of the wise spread knowledge;

not so the hearts of fools.¹

23  To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,

and ^xa word in season, how good it is!

26  The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,

but ^ygracious words are pure.