23 As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,(A)
so wisdom is for a man of understanding.

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23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
    but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.

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12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man with understanding keeps silent.(A)

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12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
    a sensible person keeps quiet.

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21 Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a man with understanding walks a straight path.(A)

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21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense;
    a sensible person stays on the right path.

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27 The intelligent person restrains his words,(A)
and one who keeps a cool head[a]
is a man of understanding.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:27 Lit spirit

27 A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.

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Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water;(A)
but a man of understanding draws it out.

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Though good advice lies deep within the heart,
    a person with understanding will draw it out.

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