Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
13
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
14
Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you be sated with it and vomit it.
16
If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
18
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Trust in a faithless man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
19
Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 He who sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on a wound.
20
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
22
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
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.