New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
17 Those who are kind reward themselves, but the cruel do themselves harm.
17
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 The wicked earn no real gain, but those who sow righteousness get a true 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 whoever pursues evil will die.
19
Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 Crooked minds 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, the wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will escape.
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 good sense.
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 Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.
24
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.
25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell 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 the one who searches for it.
27
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.
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.