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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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14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

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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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31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

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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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16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

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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

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

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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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24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in 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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15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

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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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20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

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