Words of the Wise
17 1Incline your ear, and hear
2the words of the wise,
3and apply your heart to my knowledge,
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for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
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That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
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Have I not written for you
4thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
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to
5make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
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6Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or
7crush the afflicted at
8the gate,
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for
9the LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
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Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,
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lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
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Be not one of those who
10give pledges, who put up security for debts.
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If you have nothing with which to pay, why should
11your bed be taken from under you?
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Do not move the ancient
12landmark that your fathers have set.
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Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will
13stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.