Revised Standard Version RSV
Good News Translation GNT
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
1
Any who love knowledge want to be told when they are wrong. It is stupid to hate being corrected.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
2
The Lord is pleased with good people, but condemns those who plan evil.
3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
3
Wickedness does not give security, but righteous people stand firm.
4 A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
4
A good wife is her husband's pride and joy; but a wife who brings shame on her husband is like a cancer in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are treacherous.
5
Honest people will treat you fairly; the wicked only want to deceive you.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers men.
6
The words of the wicked are murderous, but the words of the righteous rescue those who are threatened.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.
7
The wicked meet their downfall and leave no descendants, but the families of the righteous live on.
8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of perverse mind is despised.
8
If you are intelligent, you will be praised; if you are stupid, people will look down on you.
9 Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.
9
It is better to be an ordinary person working for a living than to play the part of someone great but go hungry.
10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
10
Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs.
11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense.
11
A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat, but it is stupid to waste time on useless projects.
12 The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin, but the root of the righteous stands firm.
12
All that wicked people want is to find evil things to do, but the righteous stand firm.
13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.
13
The wicked are trapped by their own words, but honest people get themselves out of trouble.
14 From the fruit of his words a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
14
Your reward depends on what you say and what you do; you will get what you deserve.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
15
Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult.
16
When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult.
17 He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
17
When you tell the truth, justice is done, but lies lead to injustice.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
18
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.
19 Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
19
A lie has a short life, but truth lives on forever.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan good have joy.
20
Those who plan evil are in for a rude surprise, but those who work for good will find happiness.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
21
Nothing bad happens to righteous people, but the wicked have nothing but trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
22
The Lord hates liars, but is pleased with those who keep their word.
23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly.
23
Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
24
Hard work will give you power; being lazy will make you a slave.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
25
Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up.
26 A righteous man turns away from evil, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
26
The righteous person is a guide to his friend, but the path of the wicked leads them astray.
27 A slothful man will not catch his prey, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
27
If you are lazy, you will never get what you are after, but if you work hard, you will get a fortune.
28 In the path of righteousness is life, but the way of error leads to death.
28
Righteousness is the road to life; wickedness is the road to death.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.