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14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

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14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
    while the fool feeds on trash.

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31 The ear that listens to reproof lives,
    and will be at home among the wise.
32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
    but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
    Before honor is humility.

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31 If you listen to constructive criticism,
    you will be at home among the wise.

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
    but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
    humility precedes honor.

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16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
    Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!

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21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
    Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

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21 The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

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24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
    but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

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24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

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15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
    The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    Their ears are open for knowledge.

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20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
    that you may be wise in your latter end.

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20 Get all the advice and instruction you can,
    so you will be wise the rest of your life.

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Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw 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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18 Plans are established by advice;
    by wise guidance you wage war!

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18 Plans succeed through good counsel;
    don’t go to war without wise advice.

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11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
    When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

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11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
    if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

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17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
    Apply your heart to my teaching.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 I teach you today, even you,
    So that your trust may be in Yahweh.
20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
    of counsel and knowledge,
21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
    to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

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Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
    apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
    and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
    so you will trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings[a] for you,
    filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth
    and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

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Footnotes

  1. 22:20 Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
    and keep your heart on the right path!

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19 My child, listen and be wise:
    Keep your heart on the right course.

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