Proverbs 14
NIV Parallel NLT [BSB CSB ESV HCS KJV ISV NAS NET NIV NLT HEB]
New International VersionNew Living Translation
1The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.1A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
2Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.
3A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.
4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.4Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
5An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.5An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
6The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.8The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
9Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
15The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
17A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”
21It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.
22Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
23All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
24The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
26Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.
27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
28A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.28A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.
29Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.29People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.
30A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
31Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.
32When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.32The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.35A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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 13
Top of Page
Top of Page