Words of the Wise

17 Listen closely,[a] pay attention to the words of the wise,(A)
and apply your mind to my knowledge.
18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you
and if[b] they are constantly on your lips.
19 I have instructed you today—even you—
so that your confidence may be in the Lord.
20 Haven’t I written for you thirty sayings[c]
about counsel and knowledge,
21 in order to teach you true and reliable words,
so that you may give a dependable report[d](B)
to those who sent you?(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:17 Lit Stretch out your ear
  2. Proverbs 22:18 Or you; let them be, or you, so that
  3. Proverbs 22:20 Text emended; one Hb tradition reads you previously; alt Hb tradition reads you excellent things; LXX, Syr, Vg read you three times
  4. Proverbs 22:21 Lit give dependable words

Sayings of the Wise

17 Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my teaching,
18 for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you
    and have them ready on your lips.
19 As a result, your trust will be in the Lord,
    that’s why I’m teaching you today, even you.
20 Have I not written for you 30 sayings
    containing counsel and knowledge,
21 to teach you true and reliable advice,
    so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?

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