22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water,
    while fools sweat it out the hard way.

23 They make a lot of sense, these wise folks;
    whenever they speak, their reputation increases.

24 Gracious speech is like clover honey—
    good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.

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22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,(A)
    but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,(B)
    and their lips promote instruction.[a](C)

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,(D)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive