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Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;
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For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
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So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you.
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Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
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That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?
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Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
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For the Lord will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
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Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go,
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Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.
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Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts;
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If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?
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Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
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Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.