The Bible in Basic English BBE
New International Version NIV
1 A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
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Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
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When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
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.
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A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 A king, by right rule, makes the land safe; but one full of desires makes it a waste.
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By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
5 A man who says smooth things to his neighbour is stretching out a net for his steps.
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Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.
6 In the steps of an evil man there is a net for him, but the upright man gets away quickly and is glad.
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Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
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The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Men of pride are the cause of violent acts in a town, but by wise men wrath is turned away.
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Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to law with a foolish man, he may be angry or laughing, but there will be no rest.
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If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Men of blood are haters of the good man, and evil-doers go after his soul.
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The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A foolish man lets out all his wrath, but a wise man keeps it back quietly.
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Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler gives attention to false words, all his servants are evil-doers.
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If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
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The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
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.
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If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and sharp words give wisdom: but a child who is not guided is a cause of shame to his mother.
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A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
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When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Give your son training, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your soul.
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Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no vision, the people are uncontrolled; but he who keeps the law will be happy.
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Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
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.
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Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Have you seen a man who is quick with his tongue? There is more hope for a foolish man than for him.
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Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
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A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry man is the cause of fighting, and a man given to wrath does much wrong.
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An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
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Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
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The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.
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.
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Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
26 The approval of a ruler is desired by great numbers: but the decision in a man's cause comes from the Lord.
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Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.
27 An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
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The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
The Bible in Basic English 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.