Proverbs - Well chosen words...

A brief survey of the Bible's wisdom on the effects of well chosen speach from Proverbs (loosely grouped).

...Encourage
An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up. (10v25)
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! (15v23)
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones. (15v30)

...Bring healing & peace
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (15v1)
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (12v18)
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (15v4)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (16v24)

...Bring rescue & life
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (10v11)
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them. (12v6)
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. (18v21)

...Bring wisdom & knowledge
The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment. (10v21)
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out. (10v31)
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (15v2)
The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools. (15v7)
The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction. (16v21)
A wise man's heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction. (16v23)
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (20v15)

So speak carefully...
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue. (11v12)
He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (13v3)
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (15v28)
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, 

and discerning if he holds his tongue. (17v27-28)