[167] Speech that works abuse, strife, and vexation,
that causes anguish and crushes the many folk—
such harsh speech, vehement in utterance, he did not speak;
he spoke what was sweet, well-composed, and kindly.
Words dear to the mind, going to the heart,
pleasant to the ear—these he uttered;
he experienced the fruit of speech well practiced,
and in the heavens he felt the fruit of merit.
Having known the fruit of his good conduct,
here he attained the quality of the voice of Brahmā (brahmassara);
his tongue is ample and broad,
and he becomes one whose spoken word is accepted.
Even as a householder, it prospers for him according as he speaks;
and if that man goes forth,
the people take up his word,
as he speaks to the many much that is well spoken.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.