17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,
But he who refuses correction [a]goes astray.

18 Whoever (A)hides hatred has lying lips,
And (B)whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19 (C)In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But (D)he who restrains his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
The heart of the wicked is worth little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of [b]wisdom.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 10:17 leads
  2. Proverbs 10:21 Lit. heart

17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,(A)
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips(B)
    and spreads slander is a fool.

19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.(C)

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
    but fools die for lack of sense.(D)

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(A)He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

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Those who guard their lips(A) preserve their lives,(B)
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.(C)

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27 (A)He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

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27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(A)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(B)

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23 (A)Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

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23 Those who guard their mouths(A) and their tongues
    keep themselves from calamity.(B)

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18 (A)There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

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18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,(A)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(B)

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20 Do you see a man hasty in his words?
(A)There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.(A)

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13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

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13 To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.(A)

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