New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 19:6-17 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

6. Many try to win the favor of rulers. And everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts.

7. A poor person is avoided by his whole family. His friends avoid him even more. The poor person runs after them to beg. But he can't find them.

8. Anyone who gets wisdom loves himself. Anyone who values understanding succeeds.

9. A dishonest witness will be punished. And those who pour out lies will die.

10. It isn't proper for a foolish person to live in great comfort. And it is much worse when a slave rules over princes!

11. A man's wisdom makes him patient. He will be honored if he forgives someone who sins against him.

12. A king's anger is like a lion's roar. But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13. If a child is foolish, he destroys his father. A nagging wife is like dripping that never stops.

14. You will receive houses and wealth from your parents. But a wise wife is given by the Lord.

15. Anyone who doesn't want to work sleeps his life away. And a person who refuses to work goes hungry.

16. Those who obey what they are taught guard their lives. But those who don't care how they live will die.

17. Anyone who is kind to poor people lends to the Lord. God will reward him for what he has done.