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Excess speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a ruler.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 17.7 Or a noble

One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
    but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.(A)

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27 One who spares words is knowledgeable;
    one who is cool in spirit has understanding.(A)
28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
    when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.(B)

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The words of the mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.(A)

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13 If one gives answer before hearing,
    it is folly and shame.(A)

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17 The one who first states a case seems right,
    until the other comes and cross-examines.

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20 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;
    the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.(A)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.(B)

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It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)

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It is honorable to refrain from strife,
    but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)

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11 Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech
    will have the king as a friend.(A)

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Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    who will only despise the wisdom of your words.(A)

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26 One who gives an honest answer
    gives a kiss on the lips.

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    do not hastily bring into court,
for[a] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?(A)
Argue your case with your neighbor directly,
    and do not disclose another’s secret,(B)
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute will have no end.

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Footnotes

  1. 25.8 Cn: Heb or else

11 A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.(A)
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.(B)
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    are faithful messengers to those who send them;
    they refresh the spirit of their masters.(C)
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is one who boasts of a gift never given.(D)
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue can break bones.(E)

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20 Like vinegar on a wound[a]
    is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood,
    sorrow gnaws at the human heart.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 25.20 Gk: Heb Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, like vinegar on lye
  2. 25.20 Gk Syr Tg: Heb lacks Like a moth . . . human heart

Do not answer fools according to their folly,
    lest you be a fool yourself.(A)
Answer fools according to their folly,
    lest they be wise in their own eyes.(B)

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17 Like someone who takes a passing dog by the ears
    is one who meddles in the quarrel of another.(A)

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18 Like a maniac who shoots deadly firebrands and arrows,(A)
19 so is one who deceives a neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”(B)

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23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor
    than one who flatters with the tongue.(A)

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20 Do you see someone who is hasty in speech?
    There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.(A)

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