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Proverbs 16:21–23

21 The wise of heartm is called perceptive,

but he who is pleasant of lips will increase persuasiveness.

22 A fountain of life is wisdom for its owner,n

but the instructiono of fools is folly.

23 The heartp of the wise will make his mouth judicious,

and upon his lips, itq will add persuasiveness.

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Proverbs 16:21–23 — The New International Version (NIV)

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.

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,

and their lips promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — English Standard Version (ESV)

21 The wise of heart is called discerning,

and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,

but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious

and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — King James Version (KJV 1900)

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.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth,

And addeth learning to his lips.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — New Living Translation (NLT)

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.

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;

the words of the wise are persuasive.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — The New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,

And adds learning to his lips.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — New Century Version (NCV)

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.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — American Standard Version (ASV)

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.

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth,

And addeth learning to his lips.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY)

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.

23 The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth learning.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

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. 

23 A wise person’s heart controls his speech, 

and what he says helps others learn. 

Proverbs 16:21–23 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

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.

23 A wise heart instructs its mouth

and increases learning with its speech.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

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.

23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,

and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — New International Reader’s Version (1998) (NIrV)

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.

23 The hearts of wise people guide their mouths.

Their words make people want to learn more.

Proverbs 16:21–23 — New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (NASB95)

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.

23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth

And adds persuasiveness to his lips.


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