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21 The wise in heart will be called understanding. And to speak in a pleasing way helps people know what you say is right.

22 Understanding is a well of life to him who has it, but to speak strong words to fools is of no use.

23 The heart of the wise has power over his mouth and adds learning to his lips.

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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