Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the faithless.
12
The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!"
13
The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”
14 The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
14
The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the LORD’s wrath falls into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to want.
16
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;
17
Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
18
for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
19
So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,
20
Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 to show you what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
21
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;
22
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.