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13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

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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 so, my children,[a] listen to me,
    for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
    watching for me daily at my gates,
    waiting for me outside my home!

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Footnotes

  1. 8:32 Hebrew my sons.

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 Wise words bring many benefits,
    and hard work brings rewards.

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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 fills hearts that are plotting evil;
    joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

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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 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
    blessed are those who help the poor.

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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 glad heart makes a happy face;
    a broken heart crushes the spirit.

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

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15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
    for the happy heart, life is 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 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health.

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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 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

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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 child,[a] if your heart is wise,
    my own heart will rejoice!
16 Everything in me will celebrate
    when you speak what is right.

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Footnotes

  1. 23:15 Hebrew My son; also in 23:19.

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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