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Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within;
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you'll give it bold expression in your speech.
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To make sure your foundation is trust in God, I'm laying it all out right now just for you.
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I'm giving you thirty sterling principles - tested guidelines to live by.
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Believe me - these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.
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Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor, and don't use your position to crush the weak,
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Because God will come to their defense; the life you took, he'll take from you and give back to them.
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Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads.
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Bad temper is contagious - don't get infected.
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Don't gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance.
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The time will come when you have to pay up; you'll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.