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21 The wise of heart is called a man of discernment,
    and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but folly is the chastisement of fools.
23 The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious,
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

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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