New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 24:6-22 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

6. If you go to war, you need guidance. If you want to win, you need many good advisers.

7. Wisdom is too high for anyone who is foolish. He has nothing to say when people meet at the city gate to conduct business.

8. Anyone who thinks up sinful things to do will be known as one who plans evil.

9. Foolish plans are sinful. People hate those who make fun of others.

10. If you grow weak when trouble comes, your strength is very small!

11. Save those who are being led away to death. Hold back those who are about to be killed.

12. Don't say, "But we didn't know anything about this." The One who knows what you are thinking sees it. The One who guards your life knows it. He will pay each person back for what he has done.

13. Eat honey, my child. It is good. Honey from a honeycomb has a sweet taste.

14. I want you to know that wisdom is sweet to you. If you find it, there is hope for you tomorrow. So your hope will not be cut off.

15. Don't hide and wait like a burglar at a godly person's house. Don't rob his home.

16. Even if godly people fall down seven times, they always get up. But those who are evil are brought down by trouble.

17. Don't be happy when your enemy falls. When he trips, don't let your heart be glad.

18. The Lord will see it, but he won't be pleased. He might turn his anger away from your enemy.

19. Don't be upset because of evil people. Don't long for what sinners have.

20. Tomorrow evil people won't have any hope. The lamps of sinners will be blown out.

21. My son, have respect for the Lord and the king. Don't join those who disobey them.

22. The Lord and the king will suddenly destroy them. Who knows what trouble those two can bring?