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
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
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
International Standard Version
4 The words a man says are as deep waters—
a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
Proverbs 18:13
International Standard Version
13 Whoever answers before listening
is both foolish and shameful.
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
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
International Standard Version
3 Avoiding strife brings a man honor,
but every fool is quarrelsome.
Proverbs 20:3
International Standard Version
3 Avoiding strife brings a man honor,
but every fool is quarrelsome.
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
Proverbs 23:9
International Standard Version
9 Don’t speak when a fool is listening,
because he’ll despise your wise words.
Proverbs 24:26
International Standard Version
26 A kiss on the lips—
that’s what someone who gives an honest answer deserves.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 24:26 The Heb. lacks deserves
Proverbs 25:8-10
International Standard Version
8 don’t be in a hurry to argue in court.
Otherwise, what will you do later on
when your neighbor humiliates you?
9 Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor,
and don’t betray another person’s confidence.
10 Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed,
and your bad reputation will never leave you.
Proverbs 25:11-15
International Standard Version
11 Like golden apples set in silver
is a word spoken at the right time.
12 Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like cold snow during harvest time
is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes his masters.
14 Like clouds and winds without rain
is the man who brags
about gifts he never gave.
15 Through patience a ruler may be persuaded;
a gentle word[a] can break a bone.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 25:15 Lit. tongue
Proverbs 25:20
International Standard Version
20 Taking your coat off when it’s cold
or pouring vinegar on soda—
that’s what singing songs does to a heavy heart.
Proverbs 26:4-5
International Standard Version
4 Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness,
or you will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness,
or he will think himself to be wise.
Proverbs 26:17
International Standard Version
17 Picking up a dog by the ears—
that’s what someone is like who[a] meddles in another’s fight.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 26:17 Lit. who, as he is passing by,
Proverbs 26:18-19
International Standard Version
18 Like the maniac who shoots
fiery darts and deadly arrows—
19 that’s what someone is like who lies to his neighbor
and then says, “I was joking, wasn’t I?”
Proverbs 28:23
International Standard Version
23 Whoever rebukes a man will later on find more favor
than someone who flatters with his words.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 28:23 Lit. tongue
Proverbs 29:20
International Standard Version
20 Do you see a man who speaks hastily?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
