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19 Whoever spreads gossip betrays confidences;
    so don’t get involved with someone who talks too much.

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19 He reveals a secret, he who walks about with gossip,
    and do not associate with a babbler’s lips.

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Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor,
    and don’t betray another person’s confidence.
10 Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed,
    and your bad reputation will never leave you.

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Argue your argument with your neighbor himself,
    the secret of another do not disclose,
10 lest he who hears shame you
    and your ill repute will not end.

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23 The north wind brings rain,
    and a backbiting tongue an angry look.

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23 The wind of the north produces rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry faces.

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On Gossip and Backbiting

20 Without wood, the fire goes out.
    Without a gossip, contention stops.
21 Charcoal is to hot coals
    as wood is to fire;
        so also a quarrelsome man fuels strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like delicate morsels;
    they sink down deep within.

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20 For lack of wood, a fire goes out,
    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling will cease.
21 As charcoal is to hot embers and wood is to fire,
    so a man of quarrels is to kindling strife.
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels,
    and they go down to the inner parts of the body.

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28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

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28 A tongue of deceit hates its victim,
    and a flattering mouth makes ruin.

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