Sirach 28:13-23
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13 Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
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14 A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
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15 A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
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16 Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
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17 The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
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18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
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19 Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.
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20 For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.
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21 The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.
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22 It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof.
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23 Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.