The Webster Bible WBT
New International Version NIV
13 Whoever rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
13
Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.
14 The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with.
14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.
15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.
16 Why [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?
16
Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
18
One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
19
Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
20
One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
21
To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.
22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
23
The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.
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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.