14 The instruction of a wise man is as the wellspring of life, to turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding maketh acceptable: but the way of the disobedient is hated.

16 Every wise man will work by knowledge: but a fool will spread abroad folly.

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14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(A)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(B)

15 Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a]

16 All who are prudent act with[b] knowledge,
    but fools expose(C) their folly.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
  2. Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through