10. If the ax is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed.
11. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then it is no use to call a charmer [and the slanderer is no better than the uncharmed snake].
12. The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.
13. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is wicked madness.