International Standard Version

Christian Standard Bible

1A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury.

1A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

2The wise speak, presenting knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishness.

2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.

3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing both the evil and the good.

3The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.

4A gentle statement is a tree of life, but perverted speech shatters the spirit.

4The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.

5A fool rejects his father's instructions, but anyone who respects reproof acts sensibly.

5A fool despises his father's discipline, but a person who accepts correction is sensible.

6The righteous house is itself a great treasure, but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work.

6The house of the righteous has great wealth, but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

7What the wise have to say disseminates knowledge, but it's not in the heart of fools to do so.

7The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9The lifestyle of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but he loves those who ardently pursue righteousness.

9The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.

10Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path— anyone who despises reproof will die.

10Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.

11Since Sheol and Abaddon lie open in the LORD's presence, how much more the hearts of human beings!

11Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD-- how much more, human hearts.

12The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him; he will not inquire of the wise.

12A mocker doesn't love one who corrects him; he will not consult the wise.

13A happy heart enlightens the face, but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit.

13A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.

14A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity.

14A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

15The entire life of the afflicted seems disastrous, but a good heart feasts continuously.

15All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

16Better is a little accompanied by fear of the LORD than abundant wealth with turmoil.

16Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.

17A vegetarian meal served with love is better than a big, thick steak with a plateful of animosity.

17Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.

18The quickly angered man stirs up contention, but anyone who controls his temper calms a dispute.

18A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.

19The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge, but the path taken by the upright is an open highway.

19A slacker's way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.

20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

21Stupidity is the delight of the senseless, but an understanding man walks uprightly.

21Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a person with understanding walks a straight path.

22Plans fail without advice, but with many counselors they are confirmed.

22Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

23An appropriate answer brings joy to a person, and a well-timed word is a good thing.

23A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word--how good that is!

24The way of life leads upward for the wise so he may avoid Sheol below.

24For the prudent the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

25The house of the proud the LORD will demolish, but he will protect the widow's boundary line.

25The LORD tears apart the house of the proud, but he protects the widow's territory.

26To the LORD evil plans are detestable, but pleasant words are pure.

26The LORD detests the plans of the one who is evil, but pleasant words are pure.

27Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes, but the person who hates bribes will live.

27The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.

28The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the wicked person spews out evil.

28The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.

29The LORD is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

29The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30Bright eyes encourage the heart; good news nourishes the body.

30Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.

31Whoever listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

31One who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise.

32Whoever ignores instruction hates himself, but anyone who heeds reproof gains understanding.

32Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.

33The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom, and humility precedes honor.

33The fear of the LORD is what wisdom teaches, and humility comes before honor.

The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.