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let the wise, too, hear and gain in learning
    and the discerning acquire skill,(A)

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Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
    Let those with understanding receive guidance

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35 The wise will inherit honor,
    but stubborn fools, disgrace.

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35 The wise inherit honor,
    but fools are put to shame!

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Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you;
    rebuke the wise, and he will love you.(A)
Give instruction[a] to the wise, and they will become wiser still;
    teach the righteous, and they will gain in learning.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 9.9 Heb lacks instruction

So don’t bother correcting mockers;
    they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
    and they will love you.
Instruct the wise,
    and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
    and they will learn even more.

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14 The wise lay up knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

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14 Wise people treasure knowledge,
    but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

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29 Those who trouble their households will inherit wind,
    and the fool will be servant to the wise.

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29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.
    The fool will be a servant to the wise.

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The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,[a]
    but the lips of the wise preserve them.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 14.3 Cn: Heb a rod of pride

A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him,
    but the words of the wise keep them safe.

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16 The wise are cautious and turn away from evil,
    but the fool throws off restraint and is careless.(A)

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16 The wise are cautious[a] and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

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Footnotes

  1. 14:16 Hebrew The wise fear.

24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
    but folly is the garland[a] of fools.

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Footnotes

  1. 14.24 Cn: Heb is the folly

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise;
    the effort of fools yields only foolishness.

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The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly.(A)

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The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
    but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

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The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
    not so the minds of fools.

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The lips of the wise give good advice;
    the heart of a fool has none to give.

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

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

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23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

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23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;
    the words of the wise are persuasive.

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