English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
16
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
17
In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
18
Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
19
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
20
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
23
The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.