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21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
    Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
    but the punishment of fools is their folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth,
    and adds learning to his lips.

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

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

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,(C)
    and their lips promote instruction.[b](D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
  2. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive