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New International Version (NIV) |
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1 He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment.
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1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.
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2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
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2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
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3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
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3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.
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4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
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4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
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5 It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
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5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
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6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
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6 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
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7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
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7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
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8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
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8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
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9 He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
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9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
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10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
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10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
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11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.
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11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.
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12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
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12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
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13 If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
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13 He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame.
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14 A man's spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit who can bear?
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14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
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15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
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15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
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16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
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16 A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.
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17 He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
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17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
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18 The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
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18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
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19 A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
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20 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
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20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
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21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
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21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
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22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.
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22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
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23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
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23 A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.
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24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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| Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Revised Standard Version - Holy Bible) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
