The Bible in Basic English BBE
Good News Translation GNT
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
1
People who do not get along with others are interested only in themselves; they will disagree with what everyone else knows is right.
2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
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A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is.
3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
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Sin and shame go together. Lose your honor, and you will get scorn in its place.
4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
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A person's words can be a source of wisdom, deep as the ocean, fresh as a flowing stream.
5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
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It is not right to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from receiving justice.
6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
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When some fool starts an argument, he is asking for a beating.
7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
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When a fool speaks, he is ruining himself; he gets caught in the trap of his own words.
8 The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
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Gossip is so tasty - how we love to swallow it!
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
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A lazy person is as bad as someone who is destructive.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
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The Lord is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe.
11 The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
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Rich people, however, imagine that their wealth protects them like high, strong walls around a city.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
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No one is respected unless he is humble; arrogant people are on the way to ruin.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
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Listen before you answer. If you don't, you are being stupid and insulting.
14 The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
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Your will to live can sustain you when you are sick, but if you lose it, your last hope is gone.
15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
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Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
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Do you want to meet an important person? Take a gift and it will be easy.
17 The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
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The first person to speak in court always seems right until his opponent begins to question him.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
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If two powerful people are opposing each other in court, casting lots can settle the issue.
19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
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Help your relatives and they will protect you like a strong city wall, but if you quarrel with them, they will close their doors to you.
20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
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You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
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What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
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Find a wife and you find a good thing; it shows that the Lord is good to you.
23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
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When the poor speak, they have to be polite, but when the rich answer, they are rude.
24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
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Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.