Proverbs 18
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New King James VersionNew Living Translation
1A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.1Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
3When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.3Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.5It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.7The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.8Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
9He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.9A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.10The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.12Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?14The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.16Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.17The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.18Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.20Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
23The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.23The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 17
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