26 Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

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26 He who gives a right answer
    kisses the lips.

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    (A)do not hastily bring into court,[a]
for[b] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
(B)Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court
  2. Proverbs 25:8 Hebrew or else

    do not hastily bring into court;
for[a] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not disclose another’s secret;
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Cn: Heb lest

11 (A)A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like (B)a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise reprover to (C)a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    is (D)a faithful messenger to those who send him;
    he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like (E)clouds and wind without rain
    is a man who (F)boasts of a gift he does not give.

15 With (G)patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.

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11 A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
    he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.

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20 Whoever (A)sings songs to a heavy heart
    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
    and like vinegar on soda.

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20 He who sings songs to a heavy heart
    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
    and like vinegar on a wound.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:20 Gk: Heb lye

(A)Answer not a fool according to his folly,
    lest you be like him yourself.
(B)Answer a fool according to his folly,
    lest he be (C)wise in his own eyes.

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Answer not a fool according to his folly,
    lest you be like him yourself.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
    lest he be wise in his own eyes.

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17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

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17 He who meddles in a quarrel not his own
    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

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18 Like a madman who throws (A)firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”

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18 Like a madman who throws firebrands,
    arrows, and death,
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”

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23 Whoever (A)rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than (B)he who flatters with his tongue.

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23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than he who flatters with his tongue.

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20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    (A)There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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