Proverbs 16:21-23

The Message

²¹A wise person gets known for insight;
gracious words add to one’s reputation.

²²True intelligence is a spring of fresh water,
while fools sweat it out the hard way.

²³They make a lot of sense, these wise folks;
whenever they speak, their reputation increases.

Proverbs 16:21-23

New International Version

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

²²Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,^(B)
but folly brings punishment to fools.

²³The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,^(C)
and their lips promote instruction.^[b]^(D)

The Message (MSG)

New International Version (NIV)