Revised Standard Version RSV
GOD'S WORD Translation GW
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
1
Whoever loves discipline loves to learn, but whoever hates correction is a dumb animal.
2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.
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A good person obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns everyone who schemes.
3 A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.
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A person cannot stand firm on a foundation of wickedness, and the roots of righteous people cannot be moved.
4 A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
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A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband, but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are treacherous.
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The thoughts of righteous people are fair. The advice of wicked people is treacherous.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers men.
6
The words of wicked people are a deadly ambush, but the words of decent people rescue.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.
7
Overthrow wicked people, and they are no more, but the families of righteous people continue to stand.
8 A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of perverse mind is despised.
8
A person will be praised based on his insight, but whoever has a twisted mind will be despised.
9 Better is a man of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great man but lacks bread.
9
Better to be unimportant and have a slave than to act important and have nothing to eat.
10 A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
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A righteous person cares [even] about the life of his animals, but the compassion of wicked people is [nothing but] cruelty.
11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense.
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Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat, but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense.
12 The strong tower of the wicked comes to ruin, but the root of the righteous stands firm.
12
A wicked person delights in setting a trap for [other] evil people, but the roots of righteous people produce [fruit].
13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.
13
An evil person is trapped by his own sinful talk, but a righteous person escapes from 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
One person enjoys good things as a result of his speaking ability. Another is paid according to what his hands have accomplished.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
15
A stubborn fool considers his own way the right one, but a person who listens to advice is wise.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent man ignores an insult.
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When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately, but a sensible person hides the insult.
17 He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
17
A truthful witness speaks honestly, but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
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Careless words stab like a sword, but the words of wise people bring healing.
19 Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
19
The word of truth lasts forever, but lies last only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan good have joy.
20
Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but joy belongs to those who advise peace.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
21
No [lasting] harm comes to a righteous person, but wicked people have lots of trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
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Lips that lie are disgusting to the LORD, but honest people are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly.
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A sensible person [discreetly] hides knowledge, but foolish minds preach stupidity.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
24
Hard-working hands gain control, but lazy hands do slave labor.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
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A person's anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful.
26 A righteous man turns away from evil, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
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A righteous person looks out for his neighbor, but the path of wicked people leads others astray.
27 A slothful man will not catch his prey, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
27
A lazy hunter does not catch his prey, but a hard-working person becomes wealthy.
28 In the path of righteousness is life, but the way of error leads to death.
28
Everlasting life is on the way of righteousness. Eternal death is not along its path.
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.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.