| New King James Version | International Standard Version |
| 1These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: | 1Here are some more proverbs by Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed. |
| 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. | 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to investigate a matter. |
| 3As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. | 3Just as the heavens are high and earth is deep, so the heart of a king is unfathomable. |
| 4Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. | 4Purge the dross from the silver, and material for a vessel comes forth for the silversmith. |
| 5Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. | 5Purge the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. |
| 6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great; | 6Don't magnify yourself in the presence of a king, and don't pretend to be in the company of famous men, |
| 7For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen. | 7for it is better that it be told you, "Come up here," than for you to be placed lower in the presence of an official. What you've seen with your own eyes, |
| 8Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame? | 8don't be in a hurry to argue in court. Otherwise, what will you do later on when your neighbor humiliates you? |
| 9Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; | 9Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor, and don't betray another person's confidence. |
| 10Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined. | 10Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed, and your bad reputation will never leave you. |
| 11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. | 11Like golden apples set in silver is a word spoken at the right time. |
| 12Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. | 12Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. |
| 13Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. | 13Like cold snow during harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes his masters. |
| 14Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain. | 14Like clouds and winds without rain is the man who brags about gifts he never gave. |
| 15By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. | 15Through patience a ruler may be persuaded; a gentle word can break a bone. |
| 16Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit. | 16If you find some honey, eat only what you need. Take too much, and you'll vomit. |
| 17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. | 17Seldom set foot in your neighbor's home; otherwise, he'll grow weary and hate you. |
| 18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow. | 18A club, a sword, and a sharp arrow— that's what a man is who lies about his neighbor. |
| 19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. | 19A bad tooth and an unsteady foot— that's what confidence in an unreliable man is like in a time of trouble. |
| 20Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. | 20Taking your coat off when it's cold or pouring vinegar on soda— that's what singing songs does to a heavy heart. |
| 21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; | 21If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat; and if he thirsts, give him water to drink. |
| 22For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you. | 22For you'll be piling burning coals of shame on his head and the LORD will reward you. |
| 23The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. | 23The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry look. |
| 24It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. | 24It's better to live in a corner on the roof than in a house with a contentious woman. |
| 25As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country. | 25Cold water to someone who is thirsty — that's what good news from a distant land is. |
| 26A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well. | 26A muddied spring or a polluted well— that's what a righteous person is who compromises with the wicked. |
| 27It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one’s own glory is not glory. | 27To eat too much honey isn't good; and neither is it honorable to seek one's own glory. |
| 28Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls. | 28Like a city with breached walls is a man without self-control. |
| The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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