New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 17:4-12 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

4. An evil person listens to evil words. A liar pays attention to words that are harmful.

5. Anyone who laughs at those who are poor makes fun of their Maker. Anyone who is happy when others suffer will be punished.

6. Grandchildren are like a crown to older people. And children are proud of their parents.

7. It isn't proper for foolish people to brag. And it certainly isn't proper for rulers to tell lies!

8. Money buys favors for those who give it. No matter where they turn, they succeed.

9. Those who erase a sin by forgiving it show love. But those who talk about it come between close friends.

10. A person who understands what is right learns more from just a warning than a foolish person learns from 100 strokes with a whip.

11. An evil person never wants to obey. An official who shows no mercy will be sent against him.

12. It is better to meet a bear whose cubs have been stolen than to meet a foolish person who is acting foolishly.