15 ^(A)A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but ^(B)a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
    but ^(C)the mouths of fools pour out folly.
^3 (D)The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
    keeping watch on the evil and the good.
^4 (E)A gentle^[a] tongue is ^(F)a tree of life,
    but ^(G)perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
^5 (H)A fool ^(I)despises his father's instruction,
    but ^(J)whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
⁶ In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
    but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
^7 (K)The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    ^(L)not so the hearts of fools.^[b]

^18 (A)A hot-tempered man ^(B)stirs up strife,
    but he who is ^(C)slow to anger quiets contention.