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Wisdom More Valuable than Riches

13 How joyful is the man who finds wisdom,
    and the man who gains understanding,
14 because her profit is better than the profit of silver,
    and her yield than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand,
    and in her left are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life for those who embrace her,
    and whoever clutches her tightly will be joyful.

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13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.(A)
15 She is more precious than rubies;(B)
    nothing you desire can compare with her.(C)
16 Long life is in her right hand;(D)
    in her left hand are riches and honor.(E)
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.(F)
18 She is a tree of life(G) to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.(H)

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The Exhortation of Wisdom

32 “So listen to me, children!
    Blessed are those who obey me.
33 Listen to instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
34 Blessed is the person who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
        waiting at my doorways—

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32 “Now then, my children, listen(A) to me;
    blessed are(B) those who keep my ways.(C)
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen(D) to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.

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14 By his fruitful speech a man can remain satisfied,
    and a man’s handiwork will reward him.

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14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(A)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.(B)

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20 Deceit is at home[a] in the heart of those who plan evil,
    but those who promote peace rejoice.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:20 The Heb. lacks at home

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(A)

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21 Whoever despises his neighbor sins,
    but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

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21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,(A)
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.(B)

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13 A happy heart enlightens the face,
    but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit.

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13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,(A)
    but heartache crushes the spirit.(B)

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15 The entire life[a] of the afflicted seems disastrous,
    but a good heart feasts continuously.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:15 Lit. All the days

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.(A)

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30 Bright eyes[a] encourage the heart;
    good news nourishes the body.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:30 Or A cheerful look
  2. Proverbs 15:30 Lit. bones

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.(A)

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20 Whoever listens to a word of instruction prospers,
    and anyone who trusts in the Lord is blessed.

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20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a](A)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good

On Listening to Your Parents

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    my own heart will greatly rejoice.
16 My innermost being will be glad
    when your lips speak what is right.

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Saying 14

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
    when your lips speak what is right.(A)

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