Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
14 "It is bad, it is bad," says the buyer; but when he goes away, then he boasts.
14
“It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
15
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take a man's garment when he has given surety for a stranger, and hold him in pledge when he gives surety for foreigners.
16
Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
17
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
18
Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 He who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who speaks foolishly.
19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
20
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning will in the end not be blessed.
21
An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will help you.
22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.
23
The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A man's steps are ordered by the LORD; how then can man understand his way?
24
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
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.