New Revised Standard NRS
Common English Bible CEB
1 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.
1
Unfriendly people look out for themselves; they bicker with sensible people.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.
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Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing their opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
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When the wicked arrive, so does contempt; with shame comes insult.
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 person's mouth are deep waters, a bubbling stream, a fountain of wisdom.
5 It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.
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Favoring the wicked isn't good; it denies justice to the righteous.
6 A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.
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The lips of fools make accusations; their mouths elicit beatings.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.
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The mouth of fools is their ruin; their lips are a trap for their lives.
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 gossips are like choice snacks; they go down to the inmost parts.
9 One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.
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Those who are lazy in their work are brothers to thugs.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
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The LORD's name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge.
11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.
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The riches of the wealthy are a strong city and like a high wall in their imagination.
12 Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
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Pride comes before a disaster, but humility comes before respect.
13 If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.
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Those who answer before they listen are foolish and disgraceful.
14 The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit—who can bear?
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The human spirit sustains a sick person, but who can bear a broken spirit?
15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
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An understanding mind gains knowledge; the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.
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A gift opens the way for access to important people.
17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.
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The first person to testify seems innocent, until the other comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
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The dice settle conflicts and keep strong opponents apart.
19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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An offended ally is more formidable than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
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The stomach is satisfied by the fruit of the mouth; one's lips can earn a satisfying income.
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; those who love it will eat its fruit.
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 what is good, gaining favor from the LORD.
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
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The poor plead for help, but the wealthy answer harshly.
24 Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
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There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.
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.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible