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

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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 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 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!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.(A)

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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 of heart is called perceptive,
    and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

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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 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 gets knowledge.
    The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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

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

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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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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 advice;
    by wise guidance you wage war!

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

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

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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     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

19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
    and keep 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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