King James Version KJV
New Revised Standard NRS
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
1
The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
3
When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
4
The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
5
It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
6
A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
7
The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
8
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
9
One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
11
The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
12
Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
13
If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
14
The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit—who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
15
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
16
A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
17
The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
18
Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
19
An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
20
From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
23
The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
24
Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
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.