Saying 10

Do not speak to fools,
    for they will scorn your prudent words.(A)

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Don’t speak when a fool is listening,
    because he’ll despise your wise words.

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12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.(A)

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12 Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold
    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

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Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
    but an enemy multiplies kisses.(A)

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An open rebuke is better
    than unspoken love.
Wounds from someone who loves are trustworthy,
    but kisses from an enemy speak volumes.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:6 Lit. enemy are profuse

17 As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

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17 Iron sharpens iron;
    so a man sharpens a friend’s character.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:17 Lit. countenance

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked(A) after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed(B)—without remedy.(C)

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Advice on Life and Justice

29 After many rebukes, the stiff-necked man
will be broken incurably, without any warning.

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