14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

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14 (A)The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

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31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(A)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(B)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(C)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(D)
    and humility comes before honor.(E)

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31 (A)The ear that listens to (B)life-giving reproof
    will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever (C)ignores instruction (D)despises himself,
    but he who listens to reproof (E)gains intelligence.
33 (F)The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and (G)humility comes before honor.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(A) rather than silver!(B)

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16 (A)How much better to get wisdom than (B)gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than (C)silver.

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21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.[a](A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive

21 The wise of heart is called discerning,
    and sweetness of speech (A)increases persuasiveness.

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24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(A) wander to the ends of the earth.

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24 (A)The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

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15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(A)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(A)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(B)

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom in (A)the future.

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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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The purpose in a man's heart is like (A)deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw it out.

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18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(A)

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18 (A)Plans are established by counsel;
    by (B)wise guidance (C)wage war.

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11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(A)

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11 When (A)a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

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Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17 Pay attention(A) and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;(B)
    apply your heart to what I teach,(C)
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
    and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
    sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,(D)
    so that you bring back truthful reports
    to those you serve?

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Words of the Wise

17 (A)Incline your ear, and hear (B)the words of the wise,
    (C)and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you (D)thirty sayings
    of counsel and knowledge,
21 to (E)make you know what is right and true,
    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

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Saying 16

19 Listen, my son,(A) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:

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19 Hear, my son, and (A)be wise,
    and (B)direct your heart in the way.

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