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15 A discerning mind gains knowledge,
    and the ears of the wise eagerly seek knowledge.
16 A gift opens doors for the giver
    and wins him access to the powerful.
17 The one who pleads his case first will seem right
    until his opponent comes forth to interrogate him.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:17 This verse can apply to many situations, but it can also be interpreted as being directed toward judges to persuade them to hear both sides of a case (see Deut 1:16).

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(A)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift(B) opens the way
    and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
    until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

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