New International Reader's Version NIRV
New International Version NIV
1 A wise woman builds her house. But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
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The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 An honest person has respect for the Lord. But a person whose paths are crooked hates him.
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Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 Foolish people are punished for what they say. But the things wise people say keep them safe.
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A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty. But a strong ox brings in a great harvest.
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Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not lie. But a dishonest witness pours out lies.
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An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don't find it. But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.
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The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a foolish man. You won't find knowledge in what he says.
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Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live. But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.
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The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin. But honest people try to do the right thing.
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Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own sadness. And no one else can share its joy.
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Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11 The houses of sinners will be destroyed. But the tents of honest people will stand firm.
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The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that may seem right to a man. But in the end it leads to death.
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There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting. And your joy can end in sadness.
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Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 Those who aren't faithful will be paid back for what they've done. And good men will receive rewards for how they've lived.
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The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 A childish person believes anything. But a wise person thinks about how he lives.
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The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 A wise person has respect for the LORD and avoids evil. But a foolish person gets mad and is thoughtless.
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The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things. And a man who is tricky is hated.
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A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways. But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.
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The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil people will bow down in front of good people. And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.
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Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors. But rich people have many friends.
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The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin. But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.
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It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Those who plan evil go down the wrong path. But those who plan good find love and truth.
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Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work pays off. But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.
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All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of wise people is their crown. But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.
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The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 An honest witness saves lives. But a dishonest witness tells lies.
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A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
26 Anyone who shows respect for the LORD has a strong tower. It will be a safe place for his children.
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Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 Respect for the LORD is like a fountain that gives life. It turns you away from the jaws of death.
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The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's glory. But a prince without followers is destroyed.
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A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Anyone who is patient has great understanding. But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish he is.
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Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A peaceful heart gives life to the body. But jealousy rots the bones.
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A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker. But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.
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Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When trouble comes, sinners are brought down. But godly people have a safe place even when they die.
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When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right. And even among foolish people she makes herself known.
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Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
34 Doing what is right lifts people up. But sin brings shame to any nation.
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Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.
35 A king is pleased with a wise servant. But a servant who is full of shame invites the king's anger.
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A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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.