American Standard Version ASV
Holman Christian Standard Bible CSB
1 He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
1
One who isolates himself pursues [selfish] desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
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A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy [cometh] reproach.
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When a wicked man comes, shame does also, and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook.
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The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
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It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
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A fool's lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
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A fool's mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.
8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
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A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.
9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
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The one who is truly lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
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The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
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A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility.
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Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but before honor comes humility.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
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The one who gives an answer before he listens- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
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A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
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The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
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A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.
17 He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
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The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
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[Casting] the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.
19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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An offended brother is [harder to reach] than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
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From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
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Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
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A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
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The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.
24 He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
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A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.