New Living Translation NLT
New International Version NIV
9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
9
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die.
10
When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.
11
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.
12
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
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 gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
16
A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
17
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.
18
A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Godly people find life; evil people find death.
19
Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 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.