King James New American Standard Bible
  • 1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
  • 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
  • 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
  • 4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
  • 5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
  • 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
  • 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
  • 8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
  • 9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
  • 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
  • 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
  • 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
  • 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
  • 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
  • 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
  • 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
  • 17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
  • 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
  • 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
  • 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
  • 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
  • 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
  • 23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
  • 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
  • 1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
  • 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.
  • 3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.
  • 4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
  • 5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
  • 6 A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.
  • 7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
  • 8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
  • 9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.
  • 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
  • 11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
  • 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
  • 13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
  • 14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?
  • 15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
  • 16 A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.
  • 17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
  • 18 The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.
  • 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
  • 20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
  • 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
  • 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.
  • 23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.
  • 24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission.