20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a](A)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(B)

21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.[b](C)

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,(D)
    but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,(E)
    and their lips promote instruction.[c](F)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
  2. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
  3. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive

20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

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13 To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.(A)

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13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

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    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent(A) and a time to speak,

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A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

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