The mouths of fools are their undoing,
    and their lips are a snare(A) to their very lives.(B)

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.(C)

One who is slack in his work
    is brother to one who destroys.(D)

10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;(E)
    the righteous run to it and are safe.(F)

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;(G)
    they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor.(H)

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

14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?(J)

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

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

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