New International Version NIV
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
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He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
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A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.
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When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
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The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
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To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
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A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
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The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
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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.
9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
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He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
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The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
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The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
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Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
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To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
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The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
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The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
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A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
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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.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
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The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
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A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
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With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
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Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
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Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
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The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.