Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
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.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
29
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
30
Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition will abide among the wise.
31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 He who ignores instruction despises himself, but he who heeds admonition gains understanding.
32
Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor.
33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
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.