Parallel Bible results for "proverbs 18"

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Proverbs 18

NRS

MSG

1 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.
1 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.
2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
3 When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
5 It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.
5 It's not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent.
6 A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.
7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
9 One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.
9 Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
10 God's name is a place of protection - good people can run there and be safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.
11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.
12 Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.
13 If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.
13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
14 The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit—who can bear?
14 A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?
15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
15 Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.
16 A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.
16 A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people.
17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.
17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing - until the cross-examination starts!
18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.
19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.
20 From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.
22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life - and even more: the favor of God!
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
23 The poor speak in soft supplications; the rich bark out answers.
24 Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like 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.
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.