14 He shows mercy to thosewho accept disciplineand to those who passionately pursuehis judgments.
15 My child, let the good you dobe without blemish,and don’t give harsh wordsalong with your gifts.
16 Doesn’t dew put an endto scorching heat?So a word is better than a gift.
17 Look! Doesn’t a word exceed a good gift?And both come from a personwho is gracious.
18 A fool reproaches ungraciously,and a gift from a begrudging giverbecomes an eyesore.
19 Learn before you speak,and attend to yourselfbefore you get sick.
20 Examine yourself before judgment,and you will be reconciledwhen you are examined.