Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
3
When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
4
The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
5
It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
6
The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
7
The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
9 He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
9
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
10
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.
11
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
12
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
13
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
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.