Wisdom Brings Happiness

13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom(A)
and who acquires understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver,
and her revenue is better than gold.(B)
15 She is more precious than jewels;(C)
nothing you desire can equal her.(D)
16 Long life[a] is in her right hand;
in her left, riches and honor.(E)
17 Her ways are pleasant,(F)
and all her paths, peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life(G) to those who embrace her,
and those who hold on to her are happy.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:16 Lit Length of days

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.(A)
15 She is more precious than rubies;(B)
    nothing you desire can compare with her.(C)
16 Long life is in her right hand;(D)
    in her left hand are riches and honor.(E)
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.(F)
18 She is a tree of life(G) to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.(H)

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32 “And now, sons, listen to me;
those who keep my ways are happy.(A)
33 Listen to instruction and be wise;(B)
don’t ignore it.
34 Anyone who listens to me is happy,(C)
watching at my doors every day,
waiting by the posts of my doorway.

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32 “Now then, my children, listen(A) to me;
    blessed are(B) those who keep my ways.(C)
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen(D) to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.

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14 A person will be satisfied with good
by the fruit of his mouth,(A)
and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.(B)

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14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(A)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.(B)

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20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.(A)

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20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(A)

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21 The one who despises his neighbor sins,(A)
but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.(B)

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21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,(A)
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.(B)

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13 A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.(A)

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13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,(A)
    but heartache crushes the spirit.(B)

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15 All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

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15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.(A)

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30 Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens[a] the bones.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 15:30 Lit makes fat

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.(A)

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20 The one who understands a matter finds success,(A)
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.(B)

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20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a](A)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart will indeed rejoice.(A)
16 My innermost being will celebrate
when your lips say what is right.(B)

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Saying 14

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
    when your lips speak what is right.(A)

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