Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin.
15
Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.
16 In everything a prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
16
All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.
17 A bad messenger plunges men into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
17
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but he who heeds reproof is honored.
18
Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul; but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
19
A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
20 He who walks with wise men becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
21
Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.
22
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fallow ground of the poor yields much food, but it is swept away through injustice.
23
An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
24
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
25
The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
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.