English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
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.
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
24
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
26
People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
27
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
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.