Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
8
A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.
9 He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.
9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
10
A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
11
Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.
12 Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.
12
Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.
13 If a man returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
13
Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.
16 Why should a fool have a price in his hand to buy wisdom, when he has no mind?
16
Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
18 A man without sense gives a pledge, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor.
18
One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. 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.