Proverbs 16:21–22

21 The wise in heart are called discerning,

and gracious words promote instruction.

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,

but folly brings punishment to fools.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent:

And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it:

But the instruction of fools is folly.

21 The wise are known for their understanding,

and pleasant words are persuasive.

22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,

but discipline is wasted on fools.

21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,

And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.

But the correction of fools is folly.

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.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent;

And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it;

But the correction of fools is their folly.

21 The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.

21 The person who is truly wise is called understanding, 

and speaking sweetly helps others learn. 

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, 

but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity. 

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,

and pleasant speech increases learning.

22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,

but the discipline of fools is folly.

21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,

and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,

but folly is the punishment of fools.

21 The wise of heart is called perceptive,

but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.

22 A fountain of life is wisdom for its owner,

but the instruction of fools is folly.

21 Wise hearts are known for understanding what is right.

Pleasant 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.

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,

And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,

But the discipline of fools is folly.