King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient 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 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth 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 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
14
Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
16
If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
18
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
19
Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
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 thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be 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.
22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
22
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
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.