The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,(A)
    but the Lord tests the heart.(B)

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Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

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10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;(A)
    the righteous run to it and are safe.(B)

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10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
    the godly run to him and are safe.

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24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.(A)

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24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

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17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,(A)
    and he will reward them for what they have done.(B)

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17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord
    and he will repay you!

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21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.(A)

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21 You can make many plans,
    but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

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12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
    the Lord has made them both.(A)

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12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—
    both are gifts from the Lord.

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22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”(A)
    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.(B)

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22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”
    Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

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24 A person’s steps are directed(A) by the Lord.(B)
    How then can anyone understand their own way?(C)

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24 The Lord directs our steps,
    so why try to understand everything along the way?

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27 The human spirit is[a] the lamp of the Lord(A)
    that sheds light on one’s inmost being.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:27 Or A person’s words are

27 The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit,[a]
    exposing every hidden motive.

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Footnotes

  1. 20:27 Or The human spirit is the Lord’s light.

To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(A)

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The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
    than when we offer him sacrifices.

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30 There is no wisdom,(A) no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.(B)

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.(C)

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30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan
    can stand against the Lord.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.

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Rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord is the Maker of them all.(A)

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The rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord made them both.

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