How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove?
The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong.
If it is not so, who will prove me a liar and show that there is nothing in what I say?”
How then will you comfort me with empty nothings? There is nothing left of your answers but falsehood.”
Shall windy words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you. I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain.
Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!
Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.