| English Standard Version | International Standard Version |
| 1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. | 1Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends; he resists all sound advice. |
| 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. | 2A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion. |
| 3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. | 3When an evil person comes, contempt also comes, along with dishonor and disgrace. |
| 4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. | 4The words a man says are as deep waters— a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream. |
| 5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. | 5It's not good to be partial towards an evil person, thereby depriving the righteous of justice. |
| 6A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. | 6A fool's words bring strife, and his mouth invites fighting. |
| 7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. | 7A fool's mouth is his unraveling, and his lips entrap himself. |
| 8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. | 8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels as they descend to the innermost parts of the body. |
| 9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. | 9Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction. |
| 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. | 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted up above the danger. |
| 11A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. | 11The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city; in his own imagination, it is like a high wall. |
| 12Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. | 12Before a man's downfall, his mind is arrogant, but humility precedes honor. |
| 13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. | 13Whoever answers before listening is both foolish and shameful. |
| 14A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? | 14A man's spirit can sustain him during his illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit? |
| 15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. | 15The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge. |
| 16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. | 16A person's gift opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people. |
| 17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. | 17The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him. |
| 18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. | 18Casting dice settles a dispute, deciding between strong contenders. |
| 19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. | 19An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and his disputes are like the bars of a fortress. |
| 20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. | 20The positive words that a man speaks fill his stomach; he will be satisfied with what his lips produce. |
| 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. | 21The power of the tongue is life and death— those who love to talk will eat what it produces. |
| 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. | 22Whoever finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the LORD. |
| 23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. | 23The poor person pleads for mercy, but the wealthy man responds harshly. |
| 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. | 24A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother. |
| ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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