| Today's New International Version (TNIV) |
New International Version (NIV) |
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1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
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1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
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2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
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2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
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3 Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.
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3 Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
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4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.
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4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
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5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
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5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
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6 Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
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6 Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
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7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
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8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
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9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
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10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
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10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
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11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee.
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11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
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12 Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.
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12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
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13 At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
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13 At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--
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14 and fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell them what will happen after them?
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14 and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?
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15 The toil of fools wearies them; they do not know the way to town.
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15 A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
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16 Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
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16 Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
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17 Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
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17 Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness.
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18 Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.
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18 If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
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19 A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.
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19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
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20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
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20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
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| Holy Bible, Today's New International Version® Copyright © 2001, 2005 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (Today's New International Version Bible Online) |
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) |
