International Standard Version

Christian Standard Bible

1A good reputation is more desirable than great wealth, and favorable acceptance more than silver and gold.

1A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.

2The rich and the poor have this in common— the LORD created both of them.

2Rich and poor have this in common: the LORD makes them all.

3The prudent person sees trouble ahead and hides, but the naive continue on and suffer the consequences.

3A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

4The reward of humility is the fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life.

4Humility, the fear of the LORD, results in wealth, honor, and life.

5Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse person, but whoever is cautious stays far away from them.

5There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.

6Train a child in the way appropriate for him, and when he becomes older, he will not turn from it.

6Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

7The wealthy rule over the poor, and anyone who borrows is a slave to the lender.

7The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

8Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon will be destroyed.

8The one who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

9Whoever is generous will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

9A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

10Throw out the mocker and strife departs, too; furthermore, quarrels and discord will end.

10Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too; then quarreling and dishonor will cease.

11Whoever loves purity and gracious speech will gain the king as his friend.

11The one who loves a pure heart and gracious lips--the king is his friend.

12The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the unfaithful.

12The LORD's eyes keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.

13The lazy person says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the street!"

13The slacker says, "There's a lion outside! I'll be killed in the public square!"

14The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; a man experiencing the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

14The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit; a man cursed by the LORD will fall into it.

15A child's heart has a tendency to do wrong, but the rod of discipline removes it far away from him.

15Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth; a rod of discipline will separate it from him.

16Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss.

16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich--both lead only to poverty.

17Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,

17Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.

18for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips.

18For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips.

19As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that's why I'm teaching you today, even you.

19I have instructed you today--even you--so that your confidence may be in the LORD.

20Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge,

20Haven't I written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,

21to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?

21in order to teach you true and reliable words, so that you may give a dependable report to those who sent you?

22Don't rob the poor person because he is poor, and don't crush the helpless in court,

22Don't rob a poor person because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the city gate,

23for the LORD will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them.

23for the LORD will champion their cause and will plunder those who plunder them.

24Don't make friends with a hot-tempered man, and do not associate with someone who is easily angered,

24Don't make friends with an angry person, and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered one,

25or you may learn his ways and find yourself caught in a trap.

25or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

26Don't be one of those who make promises to guarantee loans for debts.

26Don't be one of those who enter agreements, who put up security for loans.

27If you don't have the ability to pay, why should your very bed be taken from under you?

27If you have nothing with which to pay, even your bed will be taken from under you.

28Don't remove an ancient boundary stone that was set up by your ancestors.

28Don't move an ancient boundary marker that your fathers set up.

29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will work for kings, not unimportant people.

29Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.

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.