Revised Standard Version RSV
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 A wicked man 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 He who 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 Men of perverse mind 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 man will not go unpunished, but those who are 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 swine'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 man 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 A liberal man 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 He who 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.
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.
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.