19. A third tongue has cast down virtuous women, and has deprived them of their labors.
20. Whoever favors it will not have rest, nor will he have a friend in whom he may find peace.
21. The wound of a whip causes a bruise, but the wound of the tongue will crush the bones.
22. Many have fallen by the mouth of the sword, but not as many as have perished by their own tongue.
23. Blessed is he who is protected from a wicked tongue, who has not gone over to its wrath, and has not pulled its yoke, and has not been bound by its chains.
24. For its yoke is a yoke of iron. And its chains are chains of brass.
25. Its death is a most wicked death. And hell is more useful than it is.
26. Its continuance will not be permanent, but it will take hold of the ways of the unjust. And the just will not be burned by its flame.
27. Those who abandon God will fall by it, and it will burn within them and not be quenched. And it will be sent upon them, like a lion, and it will wound them, like a leopard.
28. Hedge your ears with thorns. Do not be willing to listen to a wicked tongue. And make doors and bars for your mouth.
29. Melt down your gold and your silver. And make a scale for your words, and an upright bridle for your mouth.
30. And be attentive, lest perhaps you may slip with your tongue, and fall in the sight of your enemies, who are lying in wait for you, and then your fall may be incurable unto death.