The Bible in Basic English BBE
Good News Translation GNT
1 A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
1
If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover.
2 When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
2
Show me a righteous ruler and I will show you a happy people. Show me a wicked ruler and I will show you a miserable people.
3 A man who is a lover of wisdom is a joy to his father: but he who goes in the company of loose women is a waster of wealth.
3
If you appreciate wisdom, your parents will be proud of you. It is a foolish waste to spend money on prostitutes.
4 A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
4
When the king is concerned with justice, the nation will be strong, but when he is only concerned with money, he will ruin his country.
5 A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
5
If you flatter your friends, you set a trap for yourself.
6 In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the upright man gets away quickly and is glad.
6
Evil people are trapped in their own sins, while honest people are happy and free.
7 The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
7
A good person knows the rights of the poor, but wicked people cannot understand such things.
8 Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
8
People with no regard for others can throw whole cities into turmoil. Those who are wise keep things calm.
9 If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.
9
When an intelligent person brings a lawsuit against a fool, the fool only laughs and becomes loud and abusive.
10 Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
10
Bloodthirsty people hate anyone who's honest, but righteous people will protect the life of such a person.
11 A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
11
Stupid people express their anger openly, but sensible people are patient and hold it back.
12 If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
12
If a ruler pays attention to false information, all his officials will be liars.
13 The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
13
A poor person and his oppressor have this in common - the Lord gave eyes to both of them.
14 The king who is a true judge in the cause of the poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power.
14
If a king defends the rights of the poor, he will rule for a long time.
15 The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother.
15
Correction and discipline are good for children. If they have their own way, they will make their mothers ashamed of them.
16 When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
16
When evil people are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will live to see the downfall of such people.
17 Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.
17
Discipline your children and you can always be proud of them. They will never give you reason to be ashamed.
18 Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
18
A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God's law!
19 A servant will not be trained by words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give attention.
19
You cannot correct servants just by talking to them. They may understand you, but they will pay no attention.
20 Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him.
20
There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
21 If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
21
If you give your servants everything they want from childhood on, some day they will take over everything you own.
22 An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
22
People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble.
23 A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
23
Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.
24 A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
24
A thief's partner is his own worst enemy. He will be punished if he tells the truth in court, and God will curse him if he doesn't.
25 The fear of man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high.
25
It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe.
26 The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord.
26
Everybody wants the good will of the ruler, but only from the Lord can you get justice.
27 An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
27
The righteous hate the wicked, and the wicked hate the righteous.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.