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The wisdom of the shrewd enlightens their way,
    but the folly of fools is deceit.[a]
The wicked scorn a guilt offering,
    but the upright find acceptance.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
    and its joy no stranger shares.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 14:8 Wisdom enables the shrewd to know their path is right but folly leads fools on the wrong path (“deceit”), which calls down retribution.
  2. 14:10 The heart in Proverbs is where a person’s sense impressions are stored and reflected upon. It is thus one’s most personal and individual part. One’s sorrows and joys (= the full range of emotions) cannot be shared fully with another. Verse 13 expresses the same individuality of the human person.

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,(A)
    but the folly of fools is deception.(B)

Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.

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