Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
18
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
19 The way of a sluggard is overgrown with thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.
19
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is a joy to him who has no sense, but a man of understanding walks aright.
21
Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.
22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
23
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24 The wise man's path leads upward to life, that he may avoid Sheol beneath.
24
The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but maintains the widow's boundaries.
25
The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, the words of the pure are pleasing to him.
26
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 He who is greedy for unjust gain makes trouble for his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
27
The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
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.