English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
16
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
17
An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
20
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
21
No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
22
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
23
The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.
24
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
25
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
27
The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
28 In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
28
In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.