New International Version NIV
New Revised Standard NRS
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
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The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
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A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.
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When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
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 the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
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It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
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A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.
7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
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The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
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The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
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One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.
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 righteous run into it and are 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 wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
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Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
13 To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
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If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
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The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit—who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
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An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
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A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
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The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
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Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
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An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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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From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
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 who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
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He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
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The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
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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Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
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.
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.