21 The (A)wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of [a]speech (B)increases [b]persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,
But the discipline of fools is foolishness.
23 The (C)heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds [c]persuasiveness to his lips.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Lit lips
  2. Proverbs 16:21 Or learning
  3. Proverbs 16:23 Or learning

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent;
And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it;
But the correction of fools is their folly.
23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth,
And addeth 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