Proverbs 15:14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 15:14
Common English Bible
14 An understanding heart seeks knowledge;
but fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 15:31-33
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
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)
Proverbs 15:31-33
Common English Bible
31 The ear that listens to life-giving correction
dwells among the wise.
32 Those who refuse discipline despise themselves,
but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is wise instruction,
and humility comes before respect.
Proverbs 16:16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.(A)
Proverbs 16:16
Common English Bible
16 Acquiring wisdom is much better than gold,
and acquiring understanding is better than silver.
Proverbs 16:21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,
and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
Proverbs 16:21
Common English Bible
21 The skilled mind is called discerning,
and pleasant speech enhances teaching.
Proverbs 17:24
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
24 The discerning person looks to wisdom,
but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.(A)
Proverbs 17:24
Common English Bible
24 Wisdom is right in front of those with understanding,
but the eyes of fools are off to the edges of the earth.
Proverbs 18:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15
Common English Bible
15 An understanding mind gains knowledge;
the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 19:20
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom for the future.(A)
Proverbs 19:20
Common English Bible
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
so you might grow wise in the future.
Proverbs 20:5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
5 The purposes in the human mind are like deep water,
but the intelligent will draw them out.(A)
Proverbs 20:5
Common English Bible
5 Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart;
those with understanding can draw it out.
Proverbs 20:18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
18 Plans are established by taking advice;
wage war by following wise guidance.(A)
Proverbs 20:18
Common English Bible
18 Plans are firmed up by advice;
wage wars with good guidance.
Proverbs 21:11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser;
when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.(A)
Proverbs 21:11
Common English Bible
11 When a mocker is punished, the naive person gains wisdom;
when insight comes to the wise, knowledge increases.
Proverbs 22:17-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
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)
Proverbs 22:17-21
Common English Bible
Thirty sayings of the wise
17 Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise;
focus your mind on my knowledge.
18 It will be pleasant if you keep the words in you,
if you have them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust will be in the Lord,
I’m teaching you today—yes, you.
20 Haven’t I written for you thirty[a] sayings
full of advice and knowledge?
21 Their purpose is to teach you true, reliable words,
so you can report back reliably to those who sent you.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 22:20 Heb uncertain
Proverbs 23:19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
19 Hear, my child, and be wise,
and direct your mind in the way.
Proverbs 23:19
Common English Bible
19 Listen, my child, and be wise!
Keep your mind straight on the path.
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible