XX
Refraining from Vain Speaking
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Behold the man that angereth the public by the speaking of vain words: he will be despised of all men.
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Worse even than injuring one’s friends is the speaking of vain words before many.
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He that multiplieth empty words declareth loud his want of worth.
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Behold the man that speaketh vain words in an assembly: no profit will come unto him and all that is good will flee from his side.
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Even the worthy will lose honour and respect if they indulge in vain speaking.
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Call not him man who loveth idle words: call him rather a chaff among men.
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Let the wise, if they deem it meet, speak even hard words: but it is good for them to desist from profitless speech.
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The wise whose thoughts are set on great questions utter not words that are profitless and vain.
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They whose eyes are whole say not vain words even by oversight.
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Speak thou the speech that bringeth forth profit: but speak not ever words that are profitless and vain.