Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
8 The wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 God scorns the wicked, but the upright enjoy his favor.
9
Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
10
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
11
The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
12
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.
13
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 A perverse man will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man with the fruit of his deeds.
14
The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going.
15
The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is careless.
16
The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly, but a man of discretion is patient.
17
A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
18
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
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.