New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
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.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
23
The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24 Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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.