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1A gentle tongue is 2a tree of life, but 3perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
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4A fool 5despises his father's instruction, but 6whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
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In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
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7The lips of the wise spread knowledge; 8not so the hearts of fools.
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9The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but 10the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
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The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him 11who pursues righteousness.
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There is 12severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; 13whoever hates reproof will die.
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Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more 14the hearts of the children of man!
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15A scoffer 16does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
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17A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by 18sorrow of heart the spirit is 19crushed.
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20The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.