| New King James Version | New Living Translation |
| 1Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction 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 wicked intentions He will condemn. | 2The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. |
| 3A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved. | 3Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. |
| 4An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes 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 right, But 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 are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver 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 will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. | 8A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. |
| 9Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread. | 9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. |
| 10A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. | 10The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. |
| 11He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. | 11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. |
| 12The wicked covet the catch of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields fruit. | 12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. |
| 13The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. | 13The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. |
| 14A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. | 14Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. |
| 15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. | 15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. |
| 16A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. | 16A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
| 17He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. | 17An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. |
| 18There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. | 18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. |
| 19The truthful lip shall be established 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 counselors of peace have joy. | 20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! |
| 21No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. | 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 deal truthfully 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 foolishness. | 23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. |
| 24The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor. | 24Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. |
| 25Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. | 25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. |
| 26The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. | 26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. |
| 27The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. | 27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. |
| 28In the way 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. |
| 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. |
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