New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 27:9-17 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

9. Perfume and incense bring joy to your heart. And a friend is sweeter when he gives you honest advice.

10. Don't desert your friend or your father's friend. And don't go to your family when trouble strikes you. A neighbor nearby is better than a family member far away.

11. My child, be wise and bring joy to my heart. Then I can answer anyone who makes fun of me.

12. Wise people see danger and go to a safe place. But childish people keep on going and suffer for it.

13. Take the coat of one who puts up money for what a stranger owes. Hold it until you get paid back if he does it for a woman who commits adultery.

14. Suppose you loudly bless your neighbor early in the morning. Then you might as well be calling down a curse on him.

15. A nagging wife is like dripping that never stops on a rainy day.

16. Stopping her is like trying to stop the wind. It's like trying to grab oil with your hand.

17. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.