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

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14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

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31 The ear that listens to reproof lives,
    and will be at home among the wise.
32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,
    but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.
33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom.
    Before honor is humility.

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31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(A)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(B)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(C)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(D)
    and humility comes before honor.(E)

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16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
    Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(A) rather than silver!(B)

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21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent.
    Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

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21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.[a](A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive

24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
    but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

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24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(A) wander to the ends of the earth.

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15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
    The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(A)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
    that you may be wise in your latter end.

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20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(A)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(B)

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Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw it out.

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The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(A)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

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18 Plans are established by advice;
    by wise guidance you wage war!

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18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(A)

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11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom.
    When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

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11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(A)

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17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise.
    Apply your heart to my teaching.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 I teach you today, even you,
    So that your trust may be in Yahweh.
20 Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things
    of counsel and knowledge,
21 To teach you truth, reliable words,
    to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

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Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17 Pay attention(A) and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;(B)
    apply your heart to what I teach,(C)
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
    and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
    sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,(D)
    so that you bring back truthful reports
    to those you serve?

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19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
    and keep your heart on the right path!

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Saying 16

19 Listen, my son,(A) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:

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