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15 The way of foolish people seems right to them.
    But those who are wise listen to advice.

16 Foolish people are easily upset.
    But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words.

17 An honest witness tells the truth.
    But a dishonest witness tells lies.

18 The words of thoughtless people cut like swords.
    But the tongue of wise people brings healing.

19 Truthful words last forever.
    But lies last for only a moment.

20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
    But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.

21 No harm comes to godly people.
    But sinners have all the trouble they can handle.

22 The Lord hates those whose lips tell lies.
    But he is pleased with people who tell the truth.

23 Wise people keep their knowledge to themselves.
    But the hearts of foolish people shout foolish things.

24 Hands that work hard will rule.
    But people who are lazy will be forced to work.

25 Worry makes the heart heavy.
    But a kind word cheers it up.

26 Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
    But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.

27 Lazy people do not even cook what they catch.
    But those who work hard eat their fill of what is hunted.

28 There is life in doing what is right.
    Along that path you will never die.

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15 The way of fools seems right to them,(A)
    but the wise listen to advice.(B)

16 Fools(C) show their annoyance at once,(D)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.(E)

17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.(F)

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

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(I)

21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(J)
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,(K)
    but he delights(L) in people who are trustworthy.(M)

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,(N)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.(O)

24 Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in forced labor.(P)

25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(Q)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.(R)

27 The lazy do not roast[a] any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

28 In the way of righteousness there is life;(S)
    along that path is immortality.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.