17 A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.(A)

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17 A friend is always loyal,
    and a brother is born to help in time of need.

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19 A brother wronged(A) is more unyielding than a fortified city;
    disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

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19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
    Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

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24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.(A)

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24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

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The one who gets wisdom loves life;
    the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.(A)

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To acquire wisdom is to love yourself;
    people who cherish understanding will prosper.

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28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
    through love(A) his throne is made secure.(B)

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28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
    his throne is made secure through love.

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17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
    whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.(A)

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17 Those who love pleasure become poor;
    those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.

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21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[a](A) and honor.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.

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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 hidden love!

Wounds from a sincere friend
    are better than many kisses from an enemy.

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Perfume(A) and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.

10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
    and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster(B) strikes you—
    better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

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The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

10 Never abandon a friend—
    either yours or your father’s.
When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance.
    It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

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A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,(A)
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.(B)

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The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
    but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

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