Proverbs 16:20-24

The Message

²⁰ It pays to take life seriously;
    things work out when you trust in God.

²¹ A wise person gets known for insight;
    gracious words add to one’s reputation.

²² True intelligence is a spring of fresh water,
    while fools sweat it out the hard way.

²³ They make a lot of sense, these wise folks;
    whenever they speak, their reputation increases.

²⁴ Gracious speech is like clover honey—
    good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.