King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
17
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
18
Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death
19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
19
is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
20
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
21
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
23
Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
24
Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
25
Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
26
Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
27
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
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.