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Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
    still less is false speech to a prince.

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He who forgives an offense seeks love,
    but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.

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27 He who restrains his words has knowledge,
    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

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The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

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13 If one gives answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.

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17 He who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.

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20 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.

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It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;
    but every fool will be quarreling.

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It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife;
    but every fool will be quarreling.

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11 He who loves purity of heart,
    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

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Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

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26 He who gives a right answer
    kisses 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?
Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not disclose another’s secret;
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Cn: Heb lest

11 A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
    he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.

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20 He who sings songs to a heavy heart
    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
    and like vinegar on a wound.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:20 Gk: Heb lye

Answer not a fool according to his folly,
    lest you be like him yourself.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
    lest he be wise in his own eyes.

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17 He who meddles in a quarrel not his own
    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

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18 Like a madman who throws firebrands,
    arrows, and death,
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”

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23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than he who flatters with his tongue.

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20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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