A Message of Life from Eugene Peterson

² Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth.

⁴ Many words rush along like rivers in flood,

but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs. 

⁶ The words of a fool start fights;

do him a favor and gag him.

⁷ Fools are undone by their big mouths;
their souls are crushed by their words.

⁸ Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy;
do you really want junk like that in your belly?

¹³ Answering before listening

    is both stupid and rude.

¹⁵ Wise men and women are always learning,

    always listening for fresh insights.

¹⁷ The first speech in a court case is always convincing—

    until the cross-examination starts!

²⁰ Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;
    good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

²¹ Words kill, words give life;
    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.