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He who forgives an affront fosters love,
    but he who waits on a matter will alienate a friend.

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Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,(A)
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.(B)

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The wounds of a friend mean well,
    but the kisses of an enemy are profane.

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The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,(A)
but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.(B)

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Perfume and incense will gladden a heart,
    and the pleasantness of one’s friend is personal advice.[a]
10 As for your friend and a friend of your father, do not forsake them,
    and the house of your brother, do not enter on the day of your calamity.
    Better is a close neighbor than a distant brother.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:9 Literally “because of advice of a person”

Oil(A) and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.[a]

10 Don’t abandon your friend or your father’s friend,(B)
and don’t go to your brother’s house
in your time of calamity;
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:9 LXX reads heart, but the soul is torn up by affliction