Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
(A)Bind them around your neck,
(B)Write them on the tablet of your heart,

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May loyal love[a] and truth not forsake you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them upon your heart.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:3 Or “kindness, mercy”

17 (A)The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

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17 A person of kindness rewards himself,[a]
    but a cruel person harms his own flesh.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 11:17 Or “soul,” or “inner self”

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

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24 Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.

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25 (A)When [a]he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
For there are seven abominations in his heart;

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:25 Lit. his voice is gracious

25 When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him,
    for seven abominations are in his heart.

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One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

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He who augments his wealth with interest and with usury
    gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.

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26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

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26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and instruction of kindness is upon her tongue.

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