Tongue

The wise in heart [are willing to learn so they] will accept and obey commands (instruction), But the babbling fool [who is arrogant and thinks himself wise] will come to ruin.

When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.

He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue Guards himself from troubles.

Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]? There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak.

If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religion is worthless (futile, barren).

And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man's existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).

But no one can tame the human tongue; it is a restless evil [undisciplined, unstable], full of deadly poison.

For, "The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not], Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).