| New International Version | New Living Translation |
| 1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. | 1Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. |
| 2A king's wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. | 2The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life. |
| 3It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. | 3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. |
| 4Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. | 4Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. |
| 5The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. | 5Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. |
| 6Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? | 6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? |
| 7The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. | 7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. |
| 8When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. | 8When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good. |
| 9Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"? | 9Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”? |
| 10Differing weights and differing measures-- the LORD detests them both. | 10False weights and unequal measures — the LORD detests double standards of every kind. |
| 11Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? | 11Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. |
| 12Ears that hear and eyes that see-- the LORD has made them both. | 12Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the LORD. |
| 13Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. | 13If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat! |
| 14"It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer-- then goes off and boasts about the purchase. | 14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain! |
| 15Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. | 15Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies. |
| 16Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. | 16Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners. |
| 17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. | 17Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth. |
| 18Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. | 18Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. |
| 19A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. | 19A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. |
| 20If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. | 20If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness. |
| 21An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end. | 21An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end. |
| 22Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. | 22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. |
| 23The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. | 23The LORD detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales. |
| 24A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way? | 24The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? |
| 25It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one's vows. | 25Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. |
| 26A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. | 26A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them. |
| 27The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one's inmost being. | 27The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. |
| 28Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. | 28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. |
| 29The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. | 29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. |
| 30Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being. | 30Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart. |
| 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. |
|
