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16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
    seven that are an abomination to him:

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16 There are six things the Lord hates—
    no, seven things he detests:

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19 a lying witness who testifies falsely,
    and one who sows discord in a family.(A)

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19 a false witness who pours out lies,
    a person who sows discord in a family.

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12 Hatred stirs up strife,
    but love covers all offenses.(A)

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12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,
    but love makes up for all offenses.

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With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors,
    but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

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With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
    but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

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12 Whoever belittles another lacks sense,
    but an intelligent person remains silent.(A)
13 A gossip goes about telling secrets,
    but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.(B)

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12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
    a sensible person keeps quiet.

13 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
    but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

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27 Scoundrels concoct evil,
    and their speech is like a scorching fire.(A)
28 A perverse person spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends.(B)

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27 Scoundrels create trouble;
    their words are a destructive blaze.

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
    gossip separates the best of friends.

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An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
    and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.

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Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
    liars pay close attention to slander.

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One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
    but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.(A)

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Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
    but dwelling on it separates close friends.

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The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.(A)

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Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

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19 A gossip reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with a babbler.(A)

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19 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
    so don’t hang around with chatterers.

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Argue your case with your neighbor directly,
    and do not disclose another’s secret,(A)
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute will have no end.

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When arguing with your neighbor,
    don’t betray another person’s secret.
10 Others may accuse you of gossip,
    and you will never regain your good reputation.

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23 The north wind produces rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.(A)

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23 As surely as a north wind brings rain,
    so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

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20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.(A)
21 As charcoal is to hot embers and wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.(C)

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20 Fire goes out without wood,
    and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

21 A quarrelsome person starts fights
    as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

22 Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

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