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13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,
    but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

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13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,(A)
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.(B)

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23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
    but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

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23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,(A)
    but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

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15 A person with good sense is respected;
    a treacherous person is headed for destruction.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 13:15 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads the way of the treacherous is lasting.

15 Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.

A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it,
    but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.

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The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(A)

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The prudent understand where they are going,
    but fools deceive themselves.

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The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,(A)
    but the folly of fools is deception.(B)

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15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
    The prudent carefully consider their steps.

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15 The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.(A)

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33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart;
    wisdom is not[a] found among fools.

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Footnotes

  1. 14:33 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew lacks not.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning(A)
    and even among fools she lets herself be known.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac discerning / but in the heart of fools she is not known

14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
    while the fool feeds on trash.

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14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

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21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;
    a sensible person stays on the right path.

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21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,(A)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(A) rather than silver!(B)

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21 The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

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

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive

10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
    than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

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10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
    more than a hundred lashes a fool.

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