1. A youth's tongue, his downfall when unwise,
Each person between their jaws a demise.

2. If a man's tongue becomes excessively free,
That tongue's assigned endless calamity.

3. How many opened doors of evil for themselves
When no lock confined their mouths, inviolable.

4. So too whoever once cast fiery words,
Will meet answering flames that flare and burn.

5. Who doesn't restrain his words composed,
Will unleash all that isn't becoming.

6. Who lacks water of decency in his mouth,
From his face the branch of awe will wither.

7. Why reckon excellence just in patience alone?
Nay, ignorance in some eras is superior.

8. Who takes revenge on an aggressor, he's the aggressor,
The worst of evildoers is he who starts first.

9. God ordained retaliation in His justice,
To God belongs judgment in punishments revealed.

10. If words have wounded a fighter,
Then answering words cut deeper still.

11. Much has been said about safeguarding the tongue, storing it,
Questions from all virtues most perfect.

12. He whom safety of his absence doesn't draw near,
His presence is unacceptable.

13. Who adopts the habit of evil reticence,
Has no hope in reproach to rely on.

14. When insults from him became frequent,
Seeking glory, he is the disgraced, humbled.

15. Justice is matching the evildoer with his act,
So what of one who judges justly in the case?

16. No merit in benevolence to one who grants it,
But with one who deems it graciousness.

17. Who makes insinuation the harvest of his jest,
Reaps explicit contempt more abundantly.

18. Who felt secure from harm, proud of his mind,
Harms encircled him from where he knew not.

19. I teach you what my experiences have taught me,
And one before me said it verse form:

20. If you speak a word, you're hostage to its answer,
So beware an evil answer if you're wise.

21. If you wish to live happy and secure,
Deliberate and discern what you say and do.