Proverbs 16:23-24
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:23-24
International Standard Version
23 A wise person’s thoughts[a] control his words,
and his speech promotes instruction.
24 Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb—
sweet to the soul and healing for the body.[b]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 16:23 Lit. heart
- Proverbs 16:24 Lit. bone
Proverbs 16:27
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
27 Scoundrels concoct evil,
and their speech is like a scorching fire.(A)
Proverbs 16:27
International Standard Version
27 A worthless person concocts evil gossip[a]—
his lips are like a burning fire.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 16:27 The Heb. lacks gossip
Proverbs 17:5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.(A)
Proverbs 17:5
International Standard Version
5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their maker,
and whoever is happy about disaster
will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 17:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
7 Excess speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a ruler.[a]
Footnotes
- 17.7 Or a noble
Proverbs 17:7
International Standard Version
7 Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool;
how much more are deceitful statements[a] with a prince!
Footnotes
- Proverbs 17:7 Lit. lips
Proverbs 17:9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
9 One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.(A)
Proverbs 17:9
International Standard Version
9 Anyone who overlooks[a] an offense promotes love,
but someone who gossips separates close friends.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 17:9 Lit. covers
Proverbs 17:27-28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
27 One who spares words is knowledgeable;
one who is cool in spirit has understanding.(A)
28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.(B)
Proverbs 17:27-28
International Standard Version
27 Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable;
anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool is thought to be wise when he remains silent;
he is thought to be prudent when he keeps his mouth shut.
Proverbs 18:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.(A)
Proverbs 18:4
International Standard Version
4 The words a man says are as deep waters—
a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
Proverbs 18:13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
13 If one gives answer before hearing,
it is folly and shame.(A)
Proverbs 18:13
International Standard Version
13 Whoever answers before listening
is both foolish and shameful.
Proverbs 18:17
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
17 The one who first states a case seems right,
until the other comes and cross-examines.
Proverbs 18:17
International Standard Version
17 The first to put forth his case seems right,
until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.
Proverbs 18:20-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;
the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.(A)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.(B)
Proverbs 18:20-21
International Standard Version
20 The positive words that a man speaks[a] fill his stomach;
he will be satisfied with what his lips produce.
21 The power of the tongue is life and death—
those who love to talk[b] will eat what it produces.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 18:20 Lit. words from a man’s mouth
- Proverbs 18:21 Lit. love it
Proverbs 20:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 It is honorable to refrain from strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)
Proverbs 20:3
International Standard Version
3 Avoiding strife brings a man honor,
but every fool is quarrelsome.
Proverbs 20:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 It is honorable to refrain from strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.(A)
Proverbs 20:3
International Standard Version
3 Avoiding strife brings a man honor,
but every fool is quarrelsome.
Proverbs 22:11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
11 Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech
will have the king as a friend.(A)
Proverbs 22:11
International Standard Version
11 Whoever loves purity[a] and gracious speech
will gain the king as his friend.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 22:11 Lit. purity of heart
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