23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,(A)
    but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

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23 It is like a sport for a fool to do wrong,
    wisdom for a person of understanding.

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12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,(A)
    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.(B)

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12 He who lacks sense[a] belittles his neighbor,
    but a person of intelligence will remain silent.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 11:12 Literally “heart”

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,(A)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

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21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,[a]
    and a person of understanding will walk upright.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:21 Literally “heart”
  2. Proverbs 15:21 Literally “he will walk upright walking”

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(A)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(B)

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27 He who spares his sayings knows knowledge,
    and a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

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The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(A)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

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Deep waters are like purpose in the heart[a] of a man,
    and a man of understanding will draw it[b] out.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:5 Or “mind”
  2. Proverbs 20:5 Or “her”; referring to “purpose”