My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely.
“Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?
my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
I will not show partiality to any person or use flattery toward any man.
For I do not know how to flatter, else would my Maker soon put an end to me.
Behold, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks.
“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
“But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face.
The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the minds of fools.
There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching.