King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
12
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
13
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
14
The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
16
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
17
In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
18
Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are 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 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
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 they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
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.