King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
18
One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
19
Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
20
One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
21
To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
23
The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
24
A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
25
A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
26
If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
27
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
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.