Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 A wise son listens to his father's instruction, But a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
1
Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing.
2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; But the unfaithful crave violence.
2
The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life.
3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
3
Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything.
4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, But the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
4
Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives.
5 A righteous man hates lies, But a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
5
A good person hates false talk; a bad person wallows in gibberish.
6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
6
A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch.
7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
7
A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.
8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, But the poor hears no threats.
8
The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, But the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
9
The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys.
10 By pride comes only quarrels, But with ones who take advice is wisdom.
10
Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.
11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, But he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
11
Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
12
Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, But he who respects a command will be rewarded.
13
Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God's commands and grow rich.
14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, To turn from the snares of death.
14
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells!
15 Good understanding wins favor; But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
15
Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road.
16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, But a fool exposes folly.
16
A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
17
Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence.
18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, But he who heeds correction shall be honored.
18
Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life.
19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, But fools detest turning from evil.
19
Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of soul.
20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, But a companion of fools suffers harm.
20
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
21 Misfortune pursues sinners, But prosperity rewards the righteous.
21
Disaster entraps sinners, but God-loyal people get a good life.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
22
A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren; ill-gotten wealth ends up with good people.
23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, But injustice sweeps it away.
23
Banks foreclose on the farms of the poor, or else the poor lose their shirts to crooked lawyers.
24 One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
24
A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.
25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
25
An appetite for good brings much satisfaction, but the belly of the wicked always wants more.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
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.