Young's Literal Translation YLT
New International Version NIV
13 The delight of kings [are] righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,
13
Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 The fury of a king [is] messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.
14
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
15 In the light of a king's face [is] life, And his good-will [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.
15
When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be chosen than silver!
16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
17 A highway of the upright [is], `Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
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The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Before destruction [is] pride, And before stumbling -- a haughty spirit.'
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Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
19
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.
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Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,' And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.
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The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22 A fountain of life [is] understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
22
Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,
23
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
Young's Literal Translation 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.