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With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors,
    but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

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The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,
    but the speech of the upright delivers them.(A)

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27 Scoundrels concoct evil,
    and their speech is like a scorching fire.(A)
28 A perverse person spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends.(B)

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Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
    those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.(A)

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One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
    but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.(A)

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A fool’s lips bring strife,
    and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

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The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.(A)

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19 Better the poor walking in integrity
    than one perverse of speech who is a fool.(A)

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19 A gossip reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with a babbler.(A)

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10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife goes out;
    quarreling and abuse will cease.(A)

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Argue your case with your neighbor directly,
    and do not disclose another’s secret,(A)
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute will have no end.

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23 The north wind produces rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.(A)

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20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.(A)
21 As charcoal is to hot embers and wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.(C)
23 Like the glaze[a] covering an earthen vessel
    are smooth[b] lips with an evil heart.

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Footnotes

  1. 26.23 Cn: Heb silver of dross
  2. 26.23 Gk: Heb burning