Proverbs 24:26
New Living Translation
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss of friendship.
Proverbs 24:26
Lexham English Bible
26 He will kiss the lips,
he who gives an honest answer.
Proverbs 25:8-10
New Living Translation
8 don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?
9 When arguing with your neighbor,
don’t betray another person’s secret.
10 Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.
Proverbs 25:8-10
Lexham English Bible
8 do not hastily bring out to court,
for[a] what will you do at its end,
when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your argument with your neighbor himself,
the secret of another do not disclose,
10 lest he who hears shame you
and your ill repute will not end.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 25:8 Or “lest”
Proverbs 25:11-15
New Living Translation
11 Timely advice is lovely,
like golden apples in a silver basket.
12 To one who listens, valid criticism
is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.
14 A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
15 Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.
Proverbs 25:11-15
Lexham English Bible
11 Apples of gold in a setting of silver
is a matter spoken at[a] its proper time.
12 A ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
is a rebuke of the wise to the ear of a listener.
13 Like the cold of snow on a day[b] of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
and the soul[c] of his master is refreshed.[d]
14 Like clouds and wind when there is no rain,
so too is a man who boasts in a gift of deception.
15 With patience[e] a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue will break a bone.[f]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 25:11 Hebrew “on”
- Proverbs 25:13 Or “at a season”
- Proverbs 25:13 Or “life,” or “inner self”
- Proverbs 25:13 Or “returned”
- Proverbs 25:15 Literally “With length of face”
- Proverbs 25:15 Or “strength”
Proverbs 25:20
New Living Translation
20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
or pouring vinegar in a wound.[a]
Footnotes
- 25:20 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads pouring vinegar on soda.
Proverbs 25:20
Lexham English Bible
20 Like one who removes a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron,[a]
is he who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 25:20 A mineral salt found on dry lake beds often used as a preservative.
Proverbs 26:4-5
New Living Translation
4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or you will become as foolish as they are.
5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or they will become wise in their own estimation.
Proverbs 26:4-5
Lexham English Bible
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly
lest you become like him—even you.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or else he will be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:17
New Living Translation
17 Interfering in someone else’s argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.
Proverbs 26:17
Lexham English Bible
17 Grabbing onto the ears of a dog
passing by is one who meddles in a quarrel that is not his own.
Proverbs 26:18-19
New Living Translation
18 Just as damaging
as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friend
and then says, “I was only joking.”
Proverbs 26:18-19
Lexham English Bible
18 Like a maniac who shoots
firebrands, arrows, and death,
19 so is a man who deceives his neighbor,
but says “Am I not joking?”
Proverbs 28:23
New Living Translation
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery.
Proverbs 28:23
Lexham English Bible
23 He who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with the tongue.
Proverbs 29:20
New Living Translation
20 There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks without thinking.
Proverbs 29:20
Lexham English Bible
20 You see a man who is hasty in his words:
there is more hope for a fool than him.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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