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1The heart of man plans his way, but 2the LORD establishes his steps.
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3An oracle is on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
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4A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
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It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for 5the throne is established by righteousness.
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6Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
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7A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will 8appease it.
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9In the light of a king's face there is life, and his 10favor is like 11the clouds that bring the spring rain.
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12How much better to get wisdom than 13gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than 14silver.
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The highway of the upright 15turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
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16Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
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17It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to 18divide the spoil with the proud.
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Whoever gives thought to the word19will discover good, and blessed is he 20who trusts in the LORD.
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The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech 21increases persuasiveness.
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Good sense is 22a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
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23The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
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24Gracious words are like 25a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and 26health to the body.
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There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
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A worker's appetite works for him; his 27mouth urges him on.
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28A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like 29a scorching fire.
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30A dishonest man spreads strife, and 31a whisperer 32separates close friends.
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A man of violence 33entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.
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Whoever winks his eyes plans34dishonest things; he who 35purses his lips brings evil to pass.
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36Gray hair is 37a crown of glory; it 38is gained in a righteous life.
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39Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
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40The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is 41from the LORD.