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16 Fools immediately show their anger,
    but the shrewd conceal contempt.
17 Whoever speaks honestly testifies truly,
    but the deceitful make lying witnesses.[a](A)
18 The babble of some people is like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise is healing.

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Footnotes

  1. 12:17 What is the rule of thumb for judging legal testimony? Look to the ordinary conduct and daily speech of a witness.

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

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

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

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