King James Version KJV
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
1
He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all 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 his 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 a man's 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 good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
6
A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
7
A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
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
He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
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 man runs into it and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
11
A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
12
Before destruction a man'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 he hears, it is his folly and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
14
A man's 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 man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
17
He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
18
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
A brother helped is like a strong city, but 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 his mouth a man is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
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
There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.