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It is not good to 1be partial to the wicked or to 2deprive the righteous of justice.
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A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites 3a beating.
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4A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
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5The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into 6the inner parts of the body.
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Whoever is slack in his work is a 7brother to him who destroys.
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8The name of the LORD is 9a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and 10is safe.
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11A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
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12Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but 13humility comes before honor.
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If one gives an answer 14before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
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A man's spirit will endure sickness, but 15a crushed spirit who can bear?
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An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
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A man's 16gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
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The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
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17The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
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A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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18From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
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19Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
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He who finds 20a wife finds 21a good thing and 22obtains favor 23from the LORD.
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The poor use entreaties, but 24the rich answer roughly.
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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but 25there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.