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14 The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

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14 An understanding heart seeks knowledge;
    but fools feed on folly.

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31 The ear that heeds wholesome admonition
    will lodge among the wise.
32 Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,
    but those who heed admonition gain understanding.(A)
33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
    and humility goes before honor.(B)

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31 The ear that listens to life-giving correction
    dwells among the wise.
32 Those who refuse discipline despise themselves,
    but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is wise instruction,
    and humility comes before respect.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.(A)

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16 Acquiring wisdom is much better than gold,
    and acquiring understanding is better than silver.

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

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21 The skilled mind is called discerning,
    and pleasant speech enhances teaching.

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24 The discerning person looks to wisdom,
    but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.(A)

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24 Wisdom is right in front of those with understanding,
    but the eyes of fools are off to the edges of the earth.

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15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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15 An understanding mind gains knowledge;
    the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom for the future.(A)

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    so you might grow wise in the future.

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The purposes in the human mind are like deep water,
    but the intelligent will draw them out.(A)

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Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart;
    those with understanding can draw it out.

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18 Plans are established by taking advice;
    wage war by following wise guidance.(A)

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18 Plans are firmed up by advice;
    wage wars with good guidance.

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11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser;
    when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.(A)

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11 When a mocker is punished, the naive person gains wisdom;
    when insight comes to the wise, knowledge increases.

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Sayings of the Wise

17     The words of the wise:

Incline your ear and hear my words[a]
    and apply your mind to my teaching,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, yes, to you.(A)
20 Have I not written for you thirty[b] sayings
    of admonition and knowledge,(B)
21 to show you what is right and true,
    so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 22.17 Cn Compare Gk: Heb Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise
  2. 22.20 Cn: Heb in the past or noble

Thirty sayings of the wise

17 Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise;
    focus your mind on my knowledge.
18     It will be pleasant if you keep the words in you,
    if you have them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust will be in the Lord,
    I’m teaching you today—yes, you.
20 Haven’t I written for you thirty[a] sayings
    full of advice and knowledge?
21 Their purpose is to teach you true, reliable words,
    so you can report back reliably to those who sent you.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:20 Heb uncertain

19 Hear, my child, and be wise,
    and direct your mind in the way.

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19 Listen, my child, and be wise!
    Keep your mind straight on the path.

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