New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.
11
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
12
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.
13
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
14 The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit—who can bear?
14
The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.
16
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.
17
In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
18
Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
19
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
20
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.