New Living Translation NLT
Common English Bible CEB
1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
1
A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
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The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity.
3 The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
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The LORD's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people.
4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
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Wholesome speech is a tree of life, but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.
5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
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A fool doesn't like a father's instruction, but those who heed correction are mature.
6 There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
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Great treasure is in the house of the righteous, but the gain of the wicked brings trouble.
7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.
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The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools have none.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
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The LORD detests the sacrifices of the wicked, but favors the prayers of those who do right.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.
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The LORD detests the path of the wicked, but loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
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Discipline is severe for those who abandon the way; those who hate correction will die.
11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD . How much more does he know the human heart!
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The grave and the underworld lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of human beings!
12 Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
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Mockers don't like those who correct them. They won't go to the wise.
13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
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A joyful heart brightens one's face, but a troubled heart breaks the spirit.
14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
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An understanding heart seeks knowledge; but fools feed on folly.
15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
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All the days of the needy are hard, but a happy heart has a continual feast.
16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
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Better a little with fear of the LORD than a great treasure with turmoil.
17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
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Better a meal of greens with love than a plump calf with hate.
18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
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Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.
19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
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The path of the lazy is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of those who do right is a clear road.
20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
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A wise child brings joy to a father, but fools despise their mothers.
21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
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Folly is joy to those who lack sense, but those with understanding walk straight ahead.
22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
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Plans fail with no counsel, but with many counselors they succeed.
23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
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To give an appropriate answer is a joy; how good is a word at the right time!
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
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For those with insight, life is an upward path, avoiding the grave below.
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.
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The LORD snatches away the arrogant one's house, but he preserves the widow's boundaries.
26 The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.
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The LORD detests evil plans, but gracious words are pure.
27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
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Those who acquire things unjustly gain trouble for their house, but those who hate bribes will live.
28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
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The righteous heart reflects before answering, but the wicked mouth blurts out evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
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The LORD is far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayers of the righteous.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
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Bright eyes give joy to the heart; good news strengthens the bones.
31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
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The ear that listens to life-giving correction dwells among the wise.
32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
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Those who refuse discipline despise themselves, but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
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The fear of the LORD is wise instruction, and humility comes before respect.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible