New Living Translation

1 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;<br>they lash out at common sense.<br> 2 Fools have no interest in understanding;<br>they only want to air their own opinions.<br> 3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace,<br>and scandalous behavior brings contempt.<br> 4 Wise words are like deep waters;<br>wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.<br> 5 It is not right to acquit the guilty<br>or deny justice to the innocent.<br> 6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;<br>they are asking for a beating.<br> 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;<br>they trap themselves with their lips.<br> 8 Rumors are dainty morsels<br>that sink deep into one’s heart.<br> 9 A lazy person is as bad as<br>someone who destroys things.<br> 10 The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;<br>the godly run to him and are safe.<br> 11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;<br>they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.<br> 12 Haughtiness goes before destruction;<br>humility precedes honor.<br> 13 Spouting off before listening to the facts<br>is both shameful and foolish.<br> 14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,<br>but who can bear a crushed spirit?<br> 15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.<br>Their ears are open for knowledge.<br> 16 Giving a gift can open doors;<br>it gives access to important people!<br> 17 The first to speak in court sounds right —<br>until the cross-examination begins.<br> 18 Flipping a coin can end arguments;<br>it settles disputes between powerful opponents.<br> 19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.<br>Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.<br> 20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;<br>the right words bring satisfaction.<br> 21 The tongue can bring death or life;<br>those who love to talk will reap the consequences.<br> 22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,<br>and he receives favor from the LORD.<br> 23 The poor plead for mercy;<br>the rich answer with insults.<br> 24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,<br>but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.<br>