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An honest witness does not lie;
    a false witness breathes lies.

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An honest witness does not deceive,
but a dishonest witness utters lies.(A)

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15 A gentle answer deflects anger,
    but harsh words make tempers flare.

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
    but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

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15 A gentle answer turns away anger,(A)
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.(B)

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.(C)

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Gentle words are a tree of life;
    a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

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The tongue that heals is a tree of life,(A)
but a devious tongue[a] breaks the spirit.

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Footnotes

  1. 15:4 Lit but crookedness in it

The lips of the wise give good advice;
    the heart of a fool has none to give.

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The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.

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23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
    it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

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23 A person takes joy in giving an answer;[a]
and a timely word—how good that is!(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 15:23 Lit in an answer of his mouth

26 The Lord detests evil plans,
    but he delights in pure words.

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26 The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,
but pleasant words are pure.(A)

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28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
    the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

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28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,(A)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.(B)

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16 We can make our own plans,
    but the Lord gives the right answer.

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16 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.(A)

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10 The king speaks with divine wisdom;
    he must never judge unfairly.

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10 God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;[a](A)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 16:10 Or A divination is on the lips of a king

13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

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13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

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21 The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

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21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech[a] increases learning.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 16:21 Lit and sweetness of lips