19 When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,
but the one who controls his lips is prudent.(A)

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19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.(A)

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27 The one who has knowledge restrains his words,(A)
and one who keeps a cool head[a]
is a person of understanding.

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Footnotes

  1. 17:27 Lit spirit

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(A)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(B)

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Caution in God’s Presence

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do,(A) for they ignorantly do wrong. Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.(B)

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Fulfill Your Vow to God

[a]Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.

Do not be quick with your mouth,
    do not be hasty in your heart
    to utter anything before God.(A)
God is in heaven
    and you are on earth,
    so let your words be few.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1 is numbered 4:17, and 5:2-20 is numbered 5:1-19.