English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
1 The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.
1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
2
Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
3
A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
4
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5 A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
5
An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.
6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025
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.