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10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
    than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
    therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

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10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
    than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,
    but they will be severely punished.

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20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
    that you may be wise in your latter end.

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20 Get all the advice and instruction you can,
    so you will be wise the rest of your life.

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27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
    you will stray from the words of knowledge.

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27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child,
    you will turn your back on knowledge.

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The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
    He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

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The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar;
    to rouse his anger is to risk your life.

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Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,
    but who can find a faithful man?

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Many will say they are loyal friends,
    but who can find one who is truly reliable?

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A king who sits on the throne of judgment
    scatters away all evil with his eyes.

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When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence,
    distinguishing the bad from the good.

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11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings,
    whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.

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11 Even children are known by the way they act,
    whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

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30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil,
    and beatings purge the innermost parts.

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30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil;[a]
    such discipline purifies the heart.

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Footnotes

  1. 20:30 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

21 The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses.
    He turns it wherever he desires.

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21 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
    he guides it wherever he pleases.

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11 He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully
    is the king’s friend.

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

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It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,
    but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
    so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver,
    and material comes out for the refiner;
Take away the wicked from the king’s presence,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
    or claim a place among great men;
for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
    than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
    whom your eyes have seen.

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It is God’s privilege to conceal things
    and the king’s privilege to discover them.

No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
    or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

Remove the impurities from silver,
    and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
    and his reign will be made secure by justice.

Don’t demand an audience with the king
    or push for a place among the great.
It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
    than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you’ve seen something,

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18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit.
    He who looks after his master shall be honored.

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18 As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit,
    so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.

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