The Message Bible MSG
New Living Translation NLT
1 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.
1
Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.
2
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
3 When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.
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Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
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Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 It's not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent.
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It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.
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Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
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The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
8
Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.
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A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10 God's name is a place of protection - good people can run there and be safe.
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The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.
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The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.
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Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
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Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14 A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?
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The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.
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Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people.
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Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing - until the cross-examination starts!
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The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.
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Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.
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An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
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Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.
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The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life - and even more: the favor of God!
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The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD .
23 The poor speak in soft supplications; the rich bark out answers.
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The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
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There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.