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21 Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right.
    Kind words make people want to learn more.

22 Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it.
    But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do.

23 The hearts of wise people guide their mouths.
    Their words make people want to learn more.

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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