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14 The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

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14 An understanding heart seeks knowledge;
    but fools feed on folly.

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

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31 The ear that heeds wholesome admonition
    will lodge among the wise.
32 Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,
    but those who heed admonition gain understanding.(A)
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility goes before honor.(B)

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31 The ear that listens to life-giving correction
    dwells among the wise.
32 Those who refuse discipline despise themselves,
    but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is wise instruction,
    and humility comes before respect.

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31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(A)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(B)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(C)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(D)
    and humility comes before honor.(E)

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.(A)

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16 Acquiring wisdom is much better than gold,
    and acquiring understanding is better 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 of heart is called perceptive,
    and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

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21 The skilled mind is called discerning,
    and pleasant speech enhances teaching.

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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

24 The discerning person looks to wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.(A)

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24 Wisdom is right in front of those with understanding,
    but the eyes of fools are off to the edges of the earth.

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24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(A) wander to the ends of the earth.

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15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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15 An understanding mind gains knowledge;
    the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(A)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom for the future.(A)

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    so you might grow wise in the future.

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20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(A)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(B)

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The purposes in the human mind are like deep water,
    but the intelligent will draw them out.(A)

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Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart;
    those with understanding can draw it out.

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The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(A)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

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18 Plans are established by taking advice;
    wage war by following wise guidance.(A)

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18 Plans are firmed up by advice;
    wage wars with good guidance.

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18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(A)

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