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14 
The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it,
But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.(A)

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14 The (A)mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

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31 
The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure)
Will remain among the wise.
32 
He who neglects and ignores instruction and discipline despises himself,
But he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom].
33 
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the instruction for wisdom [its starting point and its essence];
And before honor comes humility.

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31 One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke
Will stay among the wise.
32 One who (A)neglects discipline (B)rejects himself,
But one who (C)listens to a rebuke acquires [a]understanding.
33 [b]The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:32 Lit heart
  2. Proverbs 15:33 Or Reverence for

16 
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.(A)

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16 How much (A)better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

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21 
The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].

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21 The (A)wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of [a]speech (B)increases [b]persuasiveness.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Lit lips
  2. Proverbs 16:21 Or learning

24 
[Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it],
But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth.

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24 Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding,
But the (A)eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

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15 
The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

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15 The [a](A)mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
And the (B)ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:15 Lit heart

20 
Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction,
That you may be wise in the time to come.

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20 (A)Listen to advice and accept discipline,
So that you may be wise [a]the rest of your days.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 19:20 Lit in your latter end


A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well,
But a man of understanding draws it out.(A)

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A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water,
But a person of understanding draws it out.

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18 
Plans are established by counsel;
So make war [only] with wise guidance.

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18 Prepare (A)plans by consultation,
And (B)make war by wise guidance.

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11 
When the scoffer is punished, the naive [observes the lesson and] becomes wise;
But when the wise and teachable person is instructed, he receives knowledge.(A)

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11 When the (A)scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

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17 
Listen carefully and hear the [a]words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
18 
For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles];
Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others].
19 
So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the Lord,
I have taught these things to you today, even to you.
20 
Have I not written to you excellent things
In counsels and knowledge,
21 
To let you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?(A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:17 These verses (17-21) introduce a special collection of wisdom sayings compiled by Solomon.

17 (A)Extend your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
18 For it will be (B)pleasant if you keep them within you,
[a]So that they may be ready on your lips.
19 So that your (C)trust may be in the Lord,
I have [b]taught you today, you indeed.
20 Have I not written to you [c](D)excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 To make you (E)know the [d]certainty of the words of truth,
So that you may [e](F)correctly answer him who sent you?

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:18 Lit They together
  2. Proverbs 22:19 Lit made you know
  3. Proverbs 22:20 Or previous
  4. Proverbs 22:21 Lit truth
  5. Proverbs 22:21 Lit return words of truth

19 
Listen, my son, and be wise,
And direct your heart in the way [of the Lord].

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19 Listen, my son, and (A)be wise,
And (B)direct your heart in the way.

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