The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
19 Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you'll only make it worse.
19
A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.
20 Take good counsel and accept correction - that's the way to live wisely and well.
20
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
21 We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails.
21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
22 It's only human to want to make a buck, but it's better to be poor than a liar.
22
What a person desires is unfailing love ; better to be poor than a liar.
23 Fear-of-God is life itself, a full life, and serene - no nasty surprises.
23
The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
24 Some people dig a fork into the pie but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth.
24
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25 Punish the insolent - make an example of them. Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.
25
Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
26 Kids who lash out against their parents are an embarrassment and disgrace.
26
Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
27 If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
27
Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 An unprincipled witness desecrates justice; the mouths of the wicked spew malice.
28
A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29 The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way; only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.
29
Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. 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.