21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,
And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.
But the correction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,
And adds learning to his lips.

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21 The wise of heart[a] is called perceptive,
    but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.
22 A fountain of life is wisdom for its owner,[b]
    but the instruction[c] of fools is folly.
23 The heart[d] of the wise will make his mouth judicious,
    and upon his lips, it[e] will add persuasiveness.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or “mind”
  2. Proverbs 16:22 Or “master”
  3. Proverbs 16:22 Or “punishment”
  4. Proverbs 16:23 Or “mind”
  5. Proverbs 16:23 Or “he”