before he made the earth and its fields, or the beginning of the dust of the world.

The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.

Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.

The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood, but the words of the upright will deliver them.

The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom.

A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, and the work of his hands will be rendered to him.

Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy.

The one who guards his words guards his life, but whoever is talkative will come to ruin.

In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of the wise protect them.

In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it only brings poverty.

A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time – how good it is!

The Lord abhors the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are pure.

Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

The Lord works everything for its own ends – even the wicked for the day of disaster.

The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.

A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.