CHAPTER 29
Lessons against revenge and quarrels. The evils of the tongue.
H
E that seeketh to revenge himself, shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance.
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Forgive thy neighbour if he hath hurt thee: and then shall thy sins be forgiven to thee when thou prayest.
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Man to man reserveth anger, and doth he seek remedy of God?
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He hath no mercy on a man like himself, and doth he entreat for his own sins?
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He that is but flesh, nourisheth anger, and doth he ask forgiveness of God? who shall obtain pardon for his sins?
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Remember thy last things, and let enmity cease:
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For corruption and death hang over in his commandments.
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Remember the fear of God, and be not angry with thy neighbour.
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Remember the covenant of the most High, and overlook the ignorance of thy neighbour.
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Refrain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins.
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For a passionate man kindleth strife, and a sinful man will trouble his friends, and bring in debate in the midst of them that are at peace.
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For as the wood of the forest is, so the fire burneth, and as a man's strength is, so shall his anger be, and according to his riches he shall increase his anger.
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A hasty contention kindleth a fire and a hasty quarrel sheddeth blood and a tongue that beareth witness bringeth death.
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If thou blow the spark, it shall burn as a fire: and if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: both come out of the mouth.
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The whisperer and the double tongue is accursed: for he hath troubled many that were at peace.
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The tongue of a third person hath disquieted many, and scattered them from nation to nation.
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It hath destroyed the strong cities of the rich, and hath overthrown the houses of great men.
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It hath cut in pieces the forces of people, and undone strong nations.
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The tongue of a third person hath cast out valiant women, and deprived them of their labours.
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He that hearkeneth to it, shall never have rest, neither shall he have a friend in whom he may repose.
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The stroke of a whip maketh a blue mark: but the stroke of the tongue will break the bones.
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Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so many as have perished by their own tongue.
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Blessed is he that is defended from a wicked tongue, that hath not passed into the wrath thereof, and that hath not drawn the yoke thereof, and hath not been bound in its bands.
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For its yoke is a yoke of iron: and its bands are bands of brass.
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The death thereof is a most evil death: and hell is preferable to it.
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Its continuance shall not be for a long time, but it shall possess the ways of the unjust: and the just shall not be burnt with its flame.
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They that forsake God shall fall into it, and it shall burn in them, and shall not be quenched, and it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and as a leopard it shall tear them.
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Hedge in thy ears with thorns, hear not a wicked tongue, and make doors and bars to thy mouth.
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Melt down thy gold and silver, and make a balance for thy words, and a just bridle for thy mouth:
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And take heed lest thou slip with thy tongue, and fall in the sight of thy enemies who lie in wait for thee, and thy fall be incurable unto death.