The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
2 The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life.
2
From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
3 Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything.
3
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
4 Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives.
4
A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 A good person hates false talk; a bad person wallows in gibberish.
5
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
6 A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch.
6
Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.
7
One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats.
8
A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
9 The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys.
9
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.
10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off.
11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. 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.