19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.(A)

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19 In many words, transgression is not lacking,
    but he who restrains his lips is prudent.

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

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23 A clever person conceals knowledge,
    but the heart[a] of a fool[b] announces folly.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:23 Or “mind”
  2. Proverbs 12:23 Hebrew “fools”

Those who guard their lips(A) preserve their lives,(B)
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.(C)

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He who keeps his mouth guards his life;[a]
    he who opens his lips, ruin belongs to him.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:3 Or “soul,” or “inner self”

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

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28 Even a fool who keeps silent shall be considered wise;[a]
    he who closes his lips is intelligent.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:28 Literally “wise, he shall be considered”

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

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13 He who returns a word before he will hear,
    folly itself belongs to him as well as[a] shame.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:13 Hebrew “and”

23 Those who guard their mouths(A) and their tongues
    keep themselves from calamity.(B)

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23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
    he guards his life[a] from danger.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:23 Or “soul,” or “inner self”