A wicked person listens to malicious talk;[a]
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

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Footnotes

  1. 17:4 Lit to lips of iniquity

An evildoer pays attention to guilty lips;
    a liar listens to a destructive tongue.

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Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.

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Too much talking isn’t right for a fool;
    even less so false speech for an honorable person.

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20 One with a twisted mind will not succeed,
and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.(A)

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20 Those with crooked hearts won’t prosper,
    and those with twisted tongues will fall into trouble.

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27 The one who has knowledge restrains his words,(A)
and one who keeps a cool head[a]
is a person of understanding.

28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent—
discerning, when he seals his lips.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 17:27 Lit spirit

27 Wise are those who restrain their talking;
    people with understanding are coolheaded.
28 Fools who keep quiet are deemed wise;
    those who shut their lips are smart.

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