| King James Bible | International Standard Version |
| 1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. | 1Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends; he resists all sound advice. |
| 2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. | 2A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion. |
| 3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. | 3When an evil person comes, contempt also comes, along with dishonor and disgrace. |
| 4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. | 4The words a man says are as deep waters— a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream. |
| 5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. | 5It's not good to be partial towards an evil person, thereby depriving the righteous of justice. |
| 6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. | 6A fool's words bring strife, and his mouth invites fighting. |
| 7A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. | 7A fool's mouth is his unraveling, and his lips entrap himself. |
| 8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. | 8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels as they descend to the innermost parts of the body. |
| 9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. | 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 runneth 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. |
| 11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. | 11The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city; in his own imagination, it is like a high wall. |
| 12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. | 12Before a man's downfall, his mind is arrogant, but humility precedes honor. |
| 13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. | 13Whoever answers before listening is both foolish and shameful. |
| 14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? | 14A man's spirit can sustain him during his illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit? |
| 15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. | 15The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge. |
| 16A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. | 16A person's gift opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people. |
| 17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. | 17The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him. |
| 18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. | 18Casting dice settles a dispute, deciding between strong contenders. |
| 19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are 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. |
| 20A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. | 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 they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. | 21The power of the tongue is life and death— those who love to talk will eat what it produces. |
| 22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. | 22Whoever finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the LORD. |
| 23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. | 23The poor person pleads for mercy, but the wealthy man responds harshly. |
| 24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. | 24A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother. |
| King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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