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Pay attention, and listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my knowledge;
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for it is pleasant to keep them deep within you; have all of them ready on your lips.
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I want your trust to be in ADONAI; this is why I'm instructing you about them today.
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I have written you worthwhile things full of good counsel and knowledge,
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so you will know that these sayings are certainly true and bring back true sayings to him who sent you.
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Don't exploit the helpless, because they are helpless, and don't crush the poor in court,
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for ADONAI will plead their case for them and withhold life from those who defraud them.
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Don't associate with an angry man; make no hot-tempered man your companion.
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If you do, you may learn his ways and find yourself caught in a trap.
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Don't be one of those who give pledges, guaranteeing loans made to others;
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for if you don't have the wherewithal to pay, they will take your bed away from underneath you.