Proverbs 10:6, 8, 10-11, 13-14, 18-21, 31-32

Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.

A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued.

An evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead, but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace. The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.

You’ll find wisdom on the lips of a person of insight, but the shortsighted needs a slap in the face. The wise accumulate knowledge—a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much—a sheer waste.

Liars secretly hoard hatred; fools openly spread slander. The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. The speech of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless. The talk of a good person is rich fare for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart.

A good person’s mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp. The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.