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29 Do you see those who are skillful in their work?
    They will serve kings;
    they will not serve common people.(A)

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29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.(A)

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Wise warriors are mightier than strong ones[a]
    and those who have knowledge than those who have strength,(A)
for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 24.5 Gk Compare Syr Tg: Heb A wise man is strength

A wise warrior is better than a strong one,[a]
and a man of knowledge than one of strength;[b](A)
for you should wage war with sound guidance—
victory comes with many counselors.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:5 LXX, Syr; MT reads one is in strength
  2. Proverbs 24:5 LXX, Syr, Tg; MT reads knowledge exerts strength

27 Prepare your work outside;
    get everything ready for you in the field;
    and after that build your house.

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27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;(A)
afterward, build your house.

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Take away the dross from the silver,
    and the smith has material for a vessel;(A)
take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.(B)

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Remove impurities from silver,(A)
and a vessel will be produced[a] for a silversmith.(B)
Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,(C)
and his throne will be established in righteousness.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:4 Lit will come out; Ex 32:24

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue can break bones.(A)

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15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.(A)

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By justice a king gives stability to the land,
    but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.

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By justice a king brings stability to a land,(A)
but a man who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 The Hb word for “contributions” usually refers to offerings in worship.

14 If a king judges the poor with equity,
    his throne will be established forever.(A)

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14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.(A)

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