23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

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23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,(A)
    and their lips promote instruction.[a](B)

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,(C)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.(D)

25 There is a way that appears to be right,(E)
    but in the end it leads to death.(F)

26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
    their hunger drives them on.

27 A scoundrel(G) plots evil,
    and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive