English Standard Version

New Living Translation

1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

1To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

2A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

2The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

3No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

3Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

4An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

4A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

5The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

5The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.

7The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

7The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.

8A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.

8A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.

9Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.

9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.

10Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

10The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.

11Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

12Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

13An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

13The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.

14From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.

14Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

16The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

16A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.

17An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.

18There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

19Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

21No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

22The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

24The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

24Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

26One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

27Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.

28In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

28The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.

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.

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.