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14 The heart of him who understands will seek knowledge,
    but the faces of fools, they[a] will feed on folly.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:14 Hebrew “he/it”

14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
    while the fool feeds on trash.

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31 The ear of him who listens to admonitions of life,
    in the midst of the wise it will lodge.
32 He who ignores instruction despises himself,[a]
    but he who hears admonition gains heart.[b]
33 Fear of Yahweh is the instruction of the wise,
    and before honor comes humility.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:32 Or “soul,” or “inner self”
  2. Proverbs 15:32 Or “mind”

31 If you listen to constructive criticism,
    you will be at home among the wise.

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
    but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
    humility precedes honor.

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16 Getting wisdom: how much[a] better than gold!
    And getting understanding: it is chosen over[b] silver.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:16 Literally “what”
  2. Proverbs 16:16 Literally “from”

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!

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21 The wise of heart[a] is called perceptive,
    but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or “mind”

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

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24 He who understands sets his face toward wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool, to the end of the earth.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:24 Or “land”

24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

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15 An intelligent mind[a] will acquire knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:15 Literally “heart”

15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    Their ears are open for knowledge.

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction
    so that you will gain wisdom for your future.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 19:20 Literally “after things

20 Get all the advice and instruction you can,
    so you will be wise the rest of your life.

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Deep waters are like purpose in the heart[a] of a man,
    and a man of understanding will draw it[b] out.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:5 Or “mind”
  2. Proverbs 20:5 Or “her”; referring to “purpose”

Though good advice lies deep within the heart,
    a person with understanding will draw it out.

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18 A plan[a] will be established by advice,
    and with guidance make war.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:18 Hebrew “plans”

18 Plans succeed through good counsel;
    don’t go to war without wise advice.

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11 With the punishment of a scoffer, the simple will become wise,
    and with the instruction of the wise, he will obtain knowledge.

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11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
    if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

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Words of the Wise

17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise;
    you shall apply your heart[a] to my teaching.
18 For it is pleasant if you guard them within you;[b]
    together they will be ready upon your lips.
19 In order for your trust to be in Yahweh,
    I have made them known to you today[c]—even[d] you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
    with admonitions and knowledge?
21 In order to show you what is right—sayings of truth—
    in order to return a true saying to him who sent you.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:17 Or “mind”
  2. Proverbs 22:18 Literally “in your belly/womb”
  3. Proverbs 22:19 Literally “the day”
  4. Proverbs 22:19 Or “only”

Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
    apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
    and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
    so you will trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings[a] for you,
    filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth
    and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

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Footnotes

  1. 22:20 Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

19 You, my child, hear and be wise,
    and direct your heart[a] on the road.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:19 Or “mind”

19 My child, listen and be wise:
    Keep your heart on the right course.

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