Third Millennium Bible TMB
GOD'S WORD Translation GW
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
1
A loner is out to get what he wants for himself. He opposes all sound reasoning.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, unless his heart may discover itself.
2
A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt; and with ignominy, reproach.
3
When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and insult comes along with disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
4
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 accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
5
It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person, thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.
6
By talking, a fool gets into an argument, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
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A fool's mouth is his ruin. His lips are a trap to his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
8
The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person's innermost being.
9 He that is slothful in his work is a brother to him that is a great waster.
9
Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe.
10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his stronghold, and as a high wall in his own conceit.
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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 the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
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Before destruction a person's heart is arrogant, but humility comes before honor.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
13
Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit, who can bear?
14
A person's spirit can endure sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
15
The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him and bringeth 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 that first states his own cause seemeth just, but then his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
17
The first to state his case seems right [until] his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.
18 Casting lots causeth contentions to cease, and parteth the strife of the mighty.
18
Flipping a coin ends quarrels and settles [issues] between powerful people.
19 An offended brother is harder to be won back than a stronghold city, and his contentions are like the bars of a castle.
19
An offended brother is more [resistant] than a strong city, and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the harvest of his lips shall he be filled.
20
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 they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.
22 Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth the favor of the LORD.
22
Whoever finds a wife finds something good and has obtained favor from the LORD.
23 The poor useth entreaties, but the rich answereth roughly.
23
A poor person is timid when begging, but a rich person is blunt when replying.
24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
24
Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. 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.