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

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14 The mind of one 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 The ear that heeds wholesome admonition
    will lodge among the wise.
32 Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,
    but those who heed admonition gain understanding.(A)
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility goes before honor.(B)

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

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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 perceptive,
    and pleasant speech 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 The discerning person looks to wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.(A)

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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 mind 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 for the future.(A)

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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 purposes in the human mind are like deep water,
    but the intelligent will draw them out.(A)

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

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18 Plans are established by taking advice;
    wage war by following wise guidance.(A)

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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 scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser;
    when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.(A)

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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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Sayings of the Wise

17     The words of the wise:

Incline your ear and hear my words[a]
    and apply your mind to my teaching,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, yes, to you.(A)
20 Have I not written for you thirty[b] sayings
    of admonition and knowledge,(B)
21 to show you what is right and true,
    so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 22.17 Cn Compare Gk: Heb Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise
  2. 22.20 Cn: Heb in the past or noble

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 child, and be wise,
    and direct your mind in the way.

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