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Excess speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a ruler.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 17.7 Or a noble

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
    how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(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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Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,(A)
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.(B)

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27 One who spares words is knowledgeable;
    one who is cool in spirit has understanding.(A)
28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
    when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.(B)

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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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The words of the mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.(A)

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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 If one gives answer before hearing,
    it is folly and shame.(A)

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

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17 The one who first states a case seems right,
    until the other comes and cross-examines.

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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 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;
    the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.(A)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.(B)

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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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It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)

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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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It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)

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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 Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech
    will have the king as a friend.(A)

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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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Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    who will only despise the wisdom of your words.(A)

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Saying 10

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

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26 One who gives an honest answer
    gives a kiss on the lips.

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

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    do not hastily bring into court,
for[a] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?(A)
Argue your case with your neighbor directly,
    and do not disclose another’s secret,(B)
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute will have no end.

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Footnotes

  1. 25.8 Cn: Heb or else

    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