English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
15
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.
16
A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
17
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
18
A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.
19
Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.
20
The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
21
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.
23
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.