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21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,
    and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,
    but folly is the punishment of fools.(A)
23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to their 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”