The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
15 Wise discipline imparts wisdom; spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.
15
A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild, but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse.
16
When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did - they'll turn out delightful to live with.
17
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
18
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 It takes more than talk to keep workers in line; mere words go in one ear and out the other.
19
Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Observe the people who always talk before they think - even simpletons are better off than they are.
20
Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 If you let people treat you like a doormat, you'll be quite forgotten in the end.
21
A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22 Angry people stir up a lot of discord; the intemperate stir up trouble.
22
An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors.
23
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 Befriend an outlaw and become an enemy to yourself. When the victims cry out, you'll be included in their curses if you're a coward to their cause in court.
24
The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25 The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.
25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
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.