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27Many have committed sin for gain,^*
   and those who seek to get rich will avert their eyes.
² As a stake is driven firmly into a fissure between stones,
   so sin is wedged in between selling and buying.
³ If a person is not steadfast in the fear of the Lord,
   his house will be quickly overthrown.

Tests in Life

⁴ When a sieve is shaken, the refuse appears;
   so do a person’s faults when he speaks.
⁵ The kiln tests the potter’s vessels;
   so the test of a person is in his conversation.
⁶ Its fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree;
   so a person’s speech discloses the cultivation of his mind.
⁷ Do not praise anyone before he speaks,
   for this is the way people are tested.

Reward and Retribution

⁸ If you pursue justice, you will attain it
   and wear it like a glorious robe.
⁹ Birds roost with their own kind,
   so honesty comes home to those who practise it.
¹⁰ A lion lies in wait for prey;
   so does sin for evildoers.

Varieties of Speech

¹¹ The conversation of the godly is always wise,
   but the fool changes like the moon.
¹² Among stupid people limit your time,
   but among thoughtful people linger on.