Good News Translation GNT
New International Version NIV
14 A nation will fall if it has no guidance. Many advisers mean security.
14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 If you promise to pay a stranger's debt, you will regret it. You are better off if you don't get involved.
15
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
16 A gracious woman is respected, but a woman without virtue is a disgrace. Lazy people will never have money, but aggressive people will get rich.
16
A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 You do yourself a favor when you are kind. If you are cruel, you only hurt yourself.
17
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 Wicked people do not really gain anything, but if you do what is right, you are certain to be rewarded.
18
A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Anyone who is determined to do right will live, but anyone who insists on doing wrong will die.
19
Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 The Lord hates evil-minded people, but loves those who do right.
20
The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 You can be sure that evil people will be punished, but the righteous will escape.
21
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Beauty in a woman without good judgment is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.
22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 What good people want always results in good; when the wicked get what they want, everyone is angry.
23
The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 Some people spend their money freely and still grow richer. Others are cautious, and yet grow poorer.
24
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
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.