49 lines
2.0 KiB
Markdown
49 lines
2.0 KiB
Markdown
# Chapter 18
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1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
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they lash out at common sense.
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2 Fools have no interest in understanding;
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they only want to air their own opinions.
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3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
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and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
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4 Wise words are like deep waters;
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wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
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5 It is not right to acquit the guilty
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or deny justice to the innocent.
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6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
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they are asking for a beating.
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7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;
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they trap themselves with their lips.
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8 Rumors are dainty morsels
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that sink deep into one’s heart.
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9 A lazy person is as bad as
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someone who destroys things.
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10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
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the godly run to him and are safe.
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11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
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they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
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12 Haughtiness goes before destruction;
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humility precedes honor.
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13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
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is both shameful and foolish.
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14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,
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but who can bear a crushed spirit?
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15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
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Their ears are open for knowledge.
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16 Giving a gift can open doors;
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it gives access to important people!
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17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
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until the cross-examination begins.
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18 Flipping a coin can end arguments;
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it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
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19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
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Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
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20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
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the right words bring satisfaction.
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21 The tongue can bring death or life;
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those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
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22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
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and he receives favor from the Lord.
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23 The poor plead for mercy;
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the rich answer with insults.
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24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,
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but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. |