² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly.

²³ A prudent man keeps his knowledge, But the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

¹⁶ Every prudent man acts from knowledge, But a fool exposes folly.

⁴ The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

¹² The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.

¹³ The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

²³ The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

²³ Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

⁷ Behold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, "For," they say, "who hears us?"

¹ > My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.