New Century Version NCV
New International Version NIV
17 Good people stay away from evil. By watching what they do, they protect their lives.
17
The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride will destroy a person; a proud attitude leads to ruin.
18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be humble and be with those who suffer than to share stolen property with the proud.
19
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy.
20
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise are known for their understanding. Their pleasant words make them better teachers.
21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22 Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it, but foolishness brings punishment to fools.
22
Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 Wise people's minds tell them what to say, and that helps them be better teachers.
23
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.
24
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 Some people think they are doing right, but in the end it leads to death.
25
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
26 The workers' hunger helps them, because their desire to eat makes them work.
26
The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.
27 Useless people make evil plans, and their words are like a burning fire.
27
A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A useless person causes trouble, and a gossip ruins friendships.
28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
29 Cruel people trick their neighbors and lead them to do wrong.
29
A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 Someone who winks is planning evil, and the one who grins is planning something wrong.
30
Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is like a crown of honor; it is earned by living a good life.
31
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Patience is better than strength. Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city.
32
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 People throw lots to make a decision, but the answer comes from the Lord.
33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. 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.