Revised Standard Version RSV
GOD'S WORD Translation GW
1 He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment.
1
A loner is out to get what he wants for himself. He opposes all sound reasoning.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
2
A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
3
When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and insult comes along with disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
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The words of a person's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
5
It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person, thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.
6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
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By talking, a fool gets into an argument, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
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A fool's mouth is his ruin. His lips are a trap to 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 a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person's innermost being.
9 He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
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Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
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The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.
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A rich person's wealth is his strong city and is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
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Before destruction a person's heart is arrogant, but humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
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Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit who can bear?
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A person's spirit can endure sickness, 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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The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.
16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
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A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.
17 He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
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The first to state his case seems right [until] his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.
18 The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
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Flipping a coin ends quarrels and settles [issues] between powerful people.
19 A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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An offended brother is more [resistant] than a strong city, and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
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A person's speaking ability provides for his stomach. His talking provides him a living.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
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The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.
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Whoever finds a wife finds something good and has obtained favor from the LORD.
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
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A poor person is timid when begging, but a rich person is blunt when replying.
24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.