Good people know the right thing to say, but evil people only tell lies.
Good people bless and build up their city, but the wicked can destroy it with their words.
Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.
The wicked talk about killing people, but the words of good people will save them.
Wise people use knowledge when they speak, but fools pour out foolishness.
Good people think before they answer, but the wicked simply pour out evil.
It will keep you from the wicked, from those whose words are bad,
Don’t use your mouth to tell lies; don’t ever say things that are not true.
Some people are wicked and no good. They go around telling lies,
The words of the wise bring them praise, but the words of a fool will destroy them.
The Teacher looked for just the right words to write what is dependable and true.
So, O king, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.”
Speak the truth so that you cannot be criticized. Then those who are against you will be ashamed because there is nothing bad to say about us.