English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
13
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
14
Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
16
If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
18
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
19
Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.
20
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.