New International Version NIV
New Revised Standard NRS
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
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The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
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All one's ways may be pure in one's own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
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Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster.
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The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
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All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the Lord; be assured, they will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
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By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
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When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
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Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
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The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
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Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
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Honest balances and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
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It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.
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Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves those who speak what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
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A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and whoever is wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
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In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
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How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
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The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their way preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
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Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
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It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
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Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
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The wise of heart is called perceptive, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
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Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
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The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
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Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
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Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on.
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The appetite of workers works for them; their hunger urges them on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
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Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
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A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.
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The violent entice their neighbors, and lead them in a way that is not good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
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One who winks the eyes plans perverse things; one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
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Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
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One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
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The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the Lord's alone.
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.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.