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Introduction to Fools and Foolishness:
The Consequences of Being a Fool

Eloquent lips are[a] not fitting for a fool.
How much less lying lips for a ruler!

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:7 Or excessive chatter is

A person who covers an offense pursues love,
but one who repeats the matter separates friends.

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27 A person with knowledge restrains his words.
A person with understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a stubborn fool who keeps silent will be considered wise.
He is considered to be perceptive if he keeps his lips shut.

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The words from a man’s mouth are deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.

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13 If a person answers before he listens,
that is foolishness that brings disgrace.

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17 The first person to state his case appears to be right.
Then his neighbor comes and cross-examines him.

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20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth, his stomach is satisfied.
He is satisfied with the harvest of his lips.
21 Life and death lie in the power of a tongue,
and those who love to use it will eat its fruit.

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Avoiding strife brings honor to a man,
but every stubborn fool is always fighting.

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Avoiding strife brings honor to a man,
but every stubborn fool is always fighting.

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11 A person who loves a pure heart and whose lips are gracious
    will have a king as his friend.

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Do not speak within earshot of a fool,
because he will despise your sensible words.

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26 Someone who gives a straight answer gives a kiss on the lips.

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Do not be in a hurry to go to court.
Otherwise, what will you do afterward,
when your neighbor humiliates you?
Argue your case with your neighbor,
but do not reveal someone else’s secret.
10 If you do, the person who hears it will shame you,
and your bad reputation will never leave you.

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11 A word spoken at the right time
    is like golden apples in silver settings.
12 To ears that listen, a wise person’s correction
    is like a gold ring or like jewelry made of pure gold.
13 To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger
    is like cooling snow on a warm day during harvest.
He refreshes his masters’ spirits.
14 A person who brags about a gift that is never given
    is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
15 By patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a soft tongue can break a bone.

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20 Singing songs to a despondent heart
    is like taking off a coat on a cold day
    or like vinegar on baking soda.

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Do not answer a fool according to his folly.
If you do, you yourself will become like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly.
If you do not, he will consider himself wise.

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17 A passerby who meddles in a quarrel that is not his
is like a person who grabs a dog by the ears.

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18 A person who deceives his neighbor and then says, “I was only joking,”
19 is like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:19 Elements of verses 18 and 19 were rearranged to get smooth English word order.

23 In the end a person who corrects someone will find more favor
    than a person with a flattering tongue.

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20 Have you seen a person who is hasty with his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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