King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
11
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
12
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
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Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
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A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
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Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
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A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
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Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
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The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
21
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
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.