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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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Don’t speak in the ears of fools,
    for they will scorn your insightful words.

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12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.(A)

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12 Wise correction to an ear that listens
    is like a gold earring or jewelry of fine gold.

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Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.(A)
Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,
    but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

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A public correction is better than hidden love.
Trustworthy are the bruises of a friend;
    excessive are the kisses of an enemy.

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17 Iron sharpens iron,
    and one person sharpens the wits[a] of another.

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Footnotes

  1. 27.17 Heb face

17 As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens a friend.

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29 One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.(A)

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29 One who stays stubborn after many corrections
    will be suddenly broken, beyond healing.

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