New King James Version NKJV
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
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He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.
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A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.
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When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
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The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
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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 calls for blows.
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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.
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A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
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The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
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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 run to it and are safe.
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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 like a high wall in his own esteem.
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A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
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Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
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If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
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A man's spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
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An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
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A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
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He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.
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The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
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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 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 a good thing, And obtains 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 man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.
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The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.