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21 The wise are known for their understanding.
    Their pleasant words make them better teachers.

22 Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it,
    but foolishness brings punishment to fools.

23 Wise people’s minds tell them what to say,
    and that helps them be better teachers.

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

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
  2. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive