Proverbs 24:26
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
26 One who gives an honest answer
gives a kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 24:26
New Living Translation
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss of friendship.
Proverbs 25:8-10
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
8 do not hastily bring into court,
for[a] what will you do in the end,
when your neighbor puts you to shame?(A)
9 Argue your case with your neighbor directly,
and do not disclose another’s secret,(B)
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
and your ill repute will have no end.
Footnotes
- 25.8 Cn: Heb or else
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 25:11-15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
11 A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.(A)
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.(B)
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
are faithful messengers to those who send them;
they refresh the spirit of their masters.(C)
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of a gift never given.(D)
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue can break bones.(E)
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 25:20
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 Like vinegar on a wound[a]
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood,
sorrow gnaws at the human heart.[b]
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 26:4-5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 Do not answer fools according to their folly,
lest you be a fool yourself.(A)
5 Answer fools according to their folly,
lest they be wise in their own eyes.(B)
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 26:17
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
17 Like someone who takes a passing dog by the ears
is one who meddles in the quarrel of another.(A)
Proverbs 26:17
New Living Translation
17 Interfering in someone else’s argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.
Proverbs 26:18-19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
18 Like a maniac who shoots deadly firebrands and arrows,(A)
19 so is one who deceives a neighbor
and says, “I am only joking!”(B)
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 28:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters with the tongue.(A)
Proverbs 28:23
New Living Translation
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery.
Proverbs 29:20
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 Do you see someone who is hasty in speech?
There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.(A)
Proverbs 29:20
New Living Translation
20 There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks without thinking.
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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.
