King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
15
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
16
Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
17
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
18
Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
20
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
21
An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
23
The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
24
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
25
It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.