The Message Bible MSG
King James Version KJV
1 If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it - how shortsighted to refuse correction!
1
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good person basks in the delight of God, and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.
2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 You can't find firm footing in a swamp, but life rooted in God stands firm.
3
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A hearty wife invigorates her husband, but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.
4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thinking of principled people makes for justice; the plots of degenerates corrupt.
5
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.
6
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 Wicked people fall to pieces - there's nothing to them; the homes of good people hold together.
7
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt.
8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.
9
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 Good people are good to their animals; the "good-hearted" bad people kick and abuse them.
10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.
11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin, while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life. Wise People Take Advice
12
The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13 The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.
13
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.
14
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.
15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
16
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.
17
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.
18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow.
19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it.
21
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 God can't stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.
22
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 Prudent people don't flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.
24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.
25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 A good person survives misfortune, but a wicked life invites disaster.
26
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done.
27
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 Good men and women travel right into life; sin's detours take you straight to hell.
28
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
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.
The King James Version is in the public domain.