A wise warrior is better than a strong one,[a]
and a man of knowledge than one of strength;[b](A)
for you should wage war with sound guidance—
victory comes with many counselors.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:5 LXX, Syr; MT reads one is in strength
  2. Proverbs 24:5 LXX, Syr, Tg; MT reads knowledge exerts strength

A wise man is strong,[a]
    and a knowledgeable man grows in strength.
For through wise counsel you will wage your war,
    and victory lies in an abundance of advisors.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:5 So MT; LXX reads Being wise is better than being strong

Saying 22

The wise prevail through great power,
    and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
Surely you need guidance to wage war,
    and victory is won through many advisers.(A)

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27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;(A)
afterward, build your house.

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27 First do your outside work,
    preparing your land for yourself.
        After that, build your house.

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27 Put your outdoor work in order
    and get your fields ready;
    after that, build your house.

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Remove impurities from silver,(A)
and a vessel will be produced[a] for a silversmith.(B)
Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,(C)
and his throne will be established in righteousness.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:4 Lit will come out; Ex 32:24

Purge the dross from the silver,
    and material for[a] a vessel comes forth for the silversmith.
Purge the wicked from the king’s presence,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:4 The Heb. lacks material for

Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,(A)
    and his throne will be established(B) through righteousness.(C)

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15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.(A)

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15 Through patience a ruler may be persuaded;
    a gentle word[a] can break a bone.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:15 Lit. tongue

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,(A)
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.(B)

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By justice a king brings stability to a land,(A)
but a man who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 The Hb word for “contributions” usually refers to offerings in worship.

A king brings stability to a land through justice,
    but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.

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By justice a king gives a country stability,(A)
    but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give

14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.(A)

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14 When a king faithfully administers justice to the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.

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14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.(A)

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