King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
23
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
24
The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
25
The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
26
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
27
The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
29
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
30
Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
32
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
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.