The Children's Bible
The Right Use Of The Tongue

      Do you see a man who speaks before he thinks?
      There is more hope for a fool than for him.
      He who answers before he hears
      Covers himself with confusion.
      
      He who is sparing of words has knowledge,
      And he who has a cool spirit is a man of sense.
      Even a fool, if he keeps still, is considered wise;
      Prudent, if he keeps his lips shut.
      
      He who guards his mouth and tongue
      Guards himself against trouble.
      Life and death are in the power of the tongue;
      They who are fond of using it must eat its fruit.
      
      A man has joy from the utterance of his mouth,
      And a word in season, how good it is!
      A word fitly spoken
      Is like golden fruit in silver settings.
      Pleasant words are like honeycomb,
      Sweet to the taste and healing to the body.