| Holman Christian Standard Bible | International Standard Version |
| 1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. | 1Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends; he resists all sound advice. |
| 2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. | 2A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion. |
| 3When a wicked man comes, contempt also does, and along with dishonor, disgrace. | 3When an evil person comes, contempt also comes, along with dishonor and disgrace. |
| 4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom. | 4The words a man says are as deep waters— a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream. |
| 5It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent. | 5It's not good to be partial towards an evil person, thereby depriving the righteous of justice. |
| 6A fool's lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating. | 6A fool's words bring strife, and his mouth invites fighting. |
| 7A fool's mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life. | 7A fool's mouth is his unraveling, and his lips entrap himself. |
| 8A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being. | 8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels as they descend to the innermost parts of the body. |
| 9The one who is truly lazy in his work is brother to a vandal. | 9Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction. |
| 10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. | 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted up above the danger. |
| 11A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall. | 11The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city; in his own imagination, it is like a high wall. |
| 12Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. | 12Before a man's downfall, his mind is arrogant, but humility precedes honor. |
| 13The one who gives an answer before he listens-- this is foolishness and disgrace for him. | 13Whoever answers before listening is both foolish and shameful. |
| 14A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? | 14A man's spirit can sustain him during his illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit? |
| 15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. | 15The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge. |
| 16A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great. | 16A person's gift opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people. |
| 17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. | 17The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him. |
| 18Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents. | 18Casting dice settles a dispute, deciding between strong contenders. |
| 19An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress. | 19An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and his disputes are like the bars of a fortress. |
| 20From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips. | 20The positive words that a man speaks fill his stomach; he will be satisfied with what his lips produce. |
| 21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. | 21The power of the tongue is life and death— those who love to talk will eat what it produces. |
| 22A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. | 22Whoever finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the LORD. |
| 23The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly. | 23The poor person pleads for mercy, but the wealthy man responds harshly. |
| 24A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. | 24A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother. |
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