²⁵ How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what doth it reprove?

⁴ Thy words have upholden him that was falling, And thou hast made firm the feeble knees.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken Is `like' apples of gold in network of silver.

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

²¹ The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

²² Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is `their' folly.

²³ The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.

²⁴ Pleasant words are `as' a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

¹⁸ There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.

³ Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

²⁵ And if it be not so now, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech nothing worth?

³⁴ How then comfort ye me in vain, Seeing in your answers there remaineth `only' falsehood?

³ Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?

⁴ I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you.

⁵ `But' I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips would assuage `your grief'.

⁵ Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom.

¹⁰ The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written uprightly, `even' words of truth.

¹¹ The words of the wise are as goads; and as nails well fastened are `the words of' the masters of assemblies, `which' are given from one shepherd.