Proverbs 14:13-22

Modern English Version

¹³Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful,
and the end of that cheer is grief.

¹⁴The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
but a good man will be satisfied with his.

¹⁵The simple believes every word,
but the prudent man considers his steps.

¹⁶A wise man fears and departs from evil,
but the fool rages and is self-confident.

¹⁷He who is quick-tempered deals foolishly,
and a man of wicked devices is hated.

¹⁸The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹The evil bow before the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

²⁰The poor is hated even by his own neighbor,
but the rich has many friends.

²¹He who despises his neighbor sins,
but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

²²Do they not err who devise evil?
But mercy and truth will be to those who devise good.

Proverbs 14:13-22

New International Version

¹³Even in laughter^(A) the heart may ache,
and rejoicing may end in grief.

¹⁴The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,^(B)
and the good rewarded for theirs.^(C)

¹⁵The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.^(D)

¹⁶The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,^(E)
but a fool^(F) is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

¹⁷A quick-tempered person^(G) does foolish things,^(H)
and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.^(I)

¹⁸The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.^(J)

²⁰The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.^(K)

²¹It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,^(L)
but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.^(M)

²²Do not those who plot evil go astray?^(N)
But those who plan what is good find^[a] love and faithfulness.

Modern English Version (MEV)

New International Version (NIV)