| Berean Study Bible | New International Version |
| 1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. | 1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
| 2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. | 2A king's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. |
| 3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. | 3It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. |
| 4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. | 4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. |
| 5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. | 5The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. |
| 6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? | 6Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? |
| 7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him. | 7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. |
| 8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes. | 8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. |
| 9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? | 9Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"? |
| 10Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD. | 10Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both. |
| 11Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright. | 11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? |
| 12Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both. | 12Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both. |
| 13Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. | 13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. |
| 14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. | 14"It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer-- then goes off and boasts about the purchase. |
| 15There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. | 15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. |
| 16Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. | 16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. |
| 17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. | 17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. |
| 18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. | 18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. |
| 19He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. | 19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. |
| 20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. | 20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. |
| 21An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. | 21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end. |
| 22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. | 22Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. |
| 23Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good. | 23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. |
| 24A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? | 24A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way? |
| 25It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. | 25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vows. |
| 26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. | 26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. |
| 27The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. | 27The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one's inmost being. |
| 28Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne. | 28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. |
| 29The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. | 29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. |
| 30Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts. | 30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being. |
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