Proverbs 24:26
New Living Translation
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss of friendship.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
New Living Translation
17 Interfering in someone else’s argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.
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
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
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
New Living Translation
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery.
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
New Living Translation
20 There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who speaks without thinking.
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.
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.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
