| International Standard Version | New International Version |
| 1A gentle response diverts anger, but a harsh statement incites fury. | 1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 2The wise speak, presenting knowledge appropriately, but fools spout foolishness. | 2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. |
| 3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing both the evil and the good. | 3The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. |
| 4A gentle statement is a tree of life, but perverted speech shatters the spirit. | 4The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
| 5A fool rejects his father's instructions, but anyone who respects reproof acts sensibly. | 5A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. |
| 6The righteous house is itself a great treasure, but within the revenue of the wicked calamity is at work. | 6The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. |
| 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 spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. |
| 8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. | 8The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. |
| 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 those who pursue righteousness. |
| 10Severe punishment awaits anyone who wanders off the path— anyone who despises reproof will die. | 10Stern discipline awaits anyone 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! | 11Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD-- how much more do human hearts! |
| 12The arrogant mocker never loves the one who corrects him; he will not inquire of the wise. | 12Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. |
| 13A happy heart enlightens the face, but a sad heart reflects a broken spirit. | 13A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. |
| 14A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on stupidity. | 14The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. |
| 15The entire life of the afflicted seems disastrous, but a good heart feasts continuously. | 15All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the 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 wealth with turmoil. |
| 17A vegetarian meal served with love is better than a big, thick steak with a plateful of animosity. | 17Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf 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 the one who is patient calms a quarrel. |
| 19The lifestyle of the lazy is like a thorny hedge, but the path taken by the upright is an open highway. | 19The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, 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. | 21Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. |
| 22Plans fail without advice, but with many counselors they are confirmed. | 22Plans fail for lack of 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 finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word! |
| 24The way of life leads upward for the wise so he may avoid Sheol below. | 24The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. |
| 25The house of the proud the LORD will demolish, but he will protect the widow's boundary line. | 25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow's boundary stones in place. |
| 26To the LORD evil plans are detestable, but pleasant words are pure. | 26The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. |
| 27Those who are greedy for unjust gain bring trouble into their homes, but the person who hates bribes will live. | 27The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. |
| 28The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the wicked person spews out evil. | 28The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. |
| 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. | 30Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. |
| 31Whoever listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. | 31Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. |
| 32Whoever ignores instruction hates himself, but anyone who heeds reproof gains understanding. | 32Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. |
| 33The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom, and humility precedes honor. | 33Wisdom's instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. |
The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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