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