| English Standard Version | Berean Study Bible |
| 1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. | 1He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. |
| 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. | 2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. |
| 3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. | 3With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace. |
| 4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. | 4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. |
| 5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. | 5Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. |
| 6A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. | 6A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. |
| 7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. | 7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. | 8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
| 9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. | 9Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys. |
| 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. | 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. |
| 11A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. | 11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. |
| 12Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. | 12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. | 13He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. |
| 14A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? | 14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? |
| 15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. | 15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. |
| 16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. | 16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. |
| 17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. | 17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. |
| 18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. | 18Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents. |
| 19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. | 19An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. |
| 20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. | 20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. |
| 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. | 21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
| 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. | 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. |
| 23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. | 23The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. |
| 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. | 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. |
| ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved. | The Berean Bible (Berean Study Bible (BSB) © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. |
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