Common English Bible CEB
The Message Bible MSG
1 Those who love discipline love knowledge, and those who hate correction are stupid.
1
If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it - how shortsighted to refuse correction!
2 The LORD favors good people, but he condemns schemers.
2
A good person basks in the delight of God, and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.
3 No one is established by wicked acts, but the roots of the righteous can't be disturbed.
3
You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.
4 A strong woman is a crown to her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like rot in his bones.
4
A hearty wife invigorates her husband, but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the guidance of the wicked is deceptive.
5
The thinking of principled people makes for justice; the plots of degenerates corrupt.
6 The words of the wicked are a deathtrap, but the speech of those who do right rescues them.
6
The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.
7 The wicked are destroyed and are no more, but the family of the righteous will endure.
7
Wicked people fall to pieces - there's nothing to them; the homes of good people hold together.
8 A person is praised for his insight, but a warped mind leads to contempt.
8
A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt.
9 Better to be held in low regard and have a servant than to be conceited and lack food.
9
Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.
10 The righteous care about their livestock's needs, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
10
Good people are good to their animals; the "good-hearted" bad people kick and abuse them.
11 Those who work their land will have plenty to eat, but those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense.
11
The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.
12 Desiring evil is a trap for the wicked, but the root of the righteous endures.
12
What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life. Wise People Take Advice
13 The wicked are trapped by the transgressions of their lips, but the righteous escape from distress.
13
The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.
14 From the fruit of their speech, people are well satisfied; their work results in reward.
14
Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.
15 Fools see their own way as right, but the wise listen to advice.
15
Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.
16 Fools reveal their anger right away, but the shrewd hide their contempt.
16
Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
17 Those who state the truth speak justly, but a false witness deceives.
17
Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
18 Some chatter on like a stabbing sword, but a wise tongue heals.
18
Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only for a moment.
19
Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but there is joy for those who advise peace.
20
Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
21 No harm happens to the righteous, but the wicked receive their fill of trouble.
21
No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.
22 The LORD detests false lips; he favors those who do what is true.
22
God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
23 The shrewd conceal their knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims their stupidity.
23
Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
24 A hard worker is in charge, while a lazy one will be sentenced to hard labor.
24
The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.
25 Anxiety leads to depression, but a good word encourages.
25
Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.
26 The righteous offer guidance to their neighbors, but the path of the wicked makes them wander.
26
A good person survives misfortune, but a wicked life invites disaster.
27 The lazy don't roast their prey, but hard workers receive precious riches.
27
A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.
28 The way of the righteous leads to life, but the detestable path leads to death.
28
Good men and women travel right into life; sin's detours take you straight to hell.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.