Common English Bible CEB
The Message Bible MSG
1 Wine is a mocker; beer a carouser. Those it leads astray won't become wise.
1
Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome - a staggering drunk is not much fun.
2 A king is as terrifying as a lion's growl. Those who anger him may lose their life.
2
Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs - cross them and they bite your head off.
3 It is honorable to back off from a fight, but fools jump right in.
3
It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.
4 The lazy don't plow during winter; at harvest they look but find nothing.
4
A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.
5 Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart; those with understanding can draw it out.
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Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.
6 Many people will say that they are loyal, but who can find a reliable person?
6
Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?
7 The righteous live with integrity; happy are their children who come after them.
7
God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.
8 A king who sits on his judgment throne sifts out all evil with his eyes.
8
Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap,
9 Who can say, "I'm innocent to the core; I'm cleansed from my sin"?
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For who among us can be trusted to be always diligent and honest?
10 False weights and measures— the LORD detests them both.
10
Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things God hates.
11 Even young people are known by their actions, whether their conduct is pure and upright.
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Young people eventually reveal by their actions if their motives are on the up and up. Drinking from the Chalice of Knowledge
12 Ears to hear and eyes to see— the LORD made them both.
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Ears that hear and eyes that see - we get our basic equipment from God!
13 Don't love sleep or you will be poor; stay alert and you will have plenty to eat.
13
Don't be too fond of sleep; you'll end up in the poorhouse. Wake up and get up; then there'll be food on the table.
14 The buyer says, "Bad, bad," but then goes away and brags.
14
The shopper says, "That's junk - I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.
15 Much gold and many pearls exist, but wise speech is the most precious jewel.
15
Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.
16 Take the garment of the person who secures a loan for a stranger; take his pledge for a foreigner.
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Hold tight to collateral on any loan to a stranger; beware of accepting what a transient has pawned.
17 Stolen bread is sweet, but afterward the mouth is full of gravel.
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Stolen bread tastes sweet, but soon your mouth is full of gravel.
18 Plans are firmed up by advice; wage wars with good guidance.
18
Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.
19 Gossips reveal secrets; don't associate with those who talk too much.
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Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.
20 Those who curse their father or mother— their lamp will be snuffed out when it becomes dark.
20
Anyone who curses father and mother extinguishes light and exists benighted. The Very Steps We Take
21 Inheritance gained quickly at first won't bless later on.
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A bonanza at the beginning is no guarantee of blessing at the end.
22 Don't say, "I'll repay the evildoer!" Wait for the LORD, and he will save you.
22
Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for God; he'll settle the score.
23 The LORD detests false weights; deceptive scales aren't right.
23
God hates cheating in the marketplace; rigged scales are an outrage.
24 A person's steps are from the LORD; how then can people understand their path?
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The very steps we take come from God; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
25 It is a snare to say rashly, "It is holy," and only reflect after making the promise.
25
An impulsive vow is a trap; later you'll wish you could get out of it.
26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, and runs them over with a wheel.
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After careful scrutiny, a wise leader makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts.
27 The breath of a person is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inmost parts.
27
God is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out.
28 Kindness and faithfulness protect the king; he supports his throne by kindness.
28
Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.
29 Strength is the glory of young men; gray hair is the splendor of old age.
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Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age.
30 Blows and bruises remove evil; beatings cleanse the inner parts.
30
A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep within us.