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Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
    even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

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Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
    how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(A)

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Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
    but dwelling on it separates close friends.

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Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,(A)
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.(B)

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27 A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

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27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(A)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(B)

28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.(C)

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Wise words are like deep waters;
    wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

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The words of the mouth are deep waters,(A)
    but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

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13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
    is both shameful and foolish.

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

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17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
    until the cross-examination begins.

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

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20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    the right words bring satisfaction.

21 The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

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20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
    with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.(A)

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,(B)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.(C)

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Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
    only fools insist on quarreling.

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It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
    but every fool(A) is quick to quarrel.(B)

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Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
    only fools insist on quarreling.

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It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
    but every fool(A) is quick to quarrel.(B)

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11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech
    will have the king as a friend.

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11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
    will have the king for a friend.(A)

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Don’t waste your breath on fools,
    for they will despise the wisest advice.

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Saying 10

Do not speak to fools,
    for they will scorn your prudent words.(A)

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26 An honest answer
    is like a kiss of friendship.

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26 An honest answer
    is like a kiss on the lips.

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    don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

When arguing with your neighbor,
    don’t betray another person’s secret.
10 Others may accuse you of gossip,
    and you will never regain your good reputation.

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    do not bring[a] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor puts you to shame?(A)

If you take your neighbor to court,
    do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
    and the charge against you will stand.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / Do not go