New Revised Standard NRS
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.
1
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.
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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, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
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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; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing 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 right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.
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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 A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.
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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 ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.
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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 whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
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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 work is close kin to a vandal.
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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 strong tower; the righteous run into 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 strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.
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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 destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
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Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 If one gives answer before hearing, it 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 will endure sickness; but a broken 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 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
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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 doors; it gives access to the great.
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A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes 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 puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
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The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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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 the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
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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 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
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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 a good thing, and obtains 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 use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
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The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
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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.
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.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.