'Speech' in the Bible
To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation,And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection].
Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth,And put devious lips far from you.
If you have been snared with the words of your lips,If you have been trapped by the speech of your mouth,
“The [reverent] fear and worshipful awe of the Lord includes the hatred of evil;Pride and arrogance and the evil way,And the perverted mouth, I hate.
The wise in heart will be called understanding,And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].
Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrityThan a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.
He who loves purity of heartAnd whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.
By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded,And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance].