New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 30:2-18 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

2. He said, "I know less than anyone. I don't understand as other men do.

3. I haven't learned wisdom. And I don't know the Holy One.

4. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the palms of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his coat? Who has set all the boundaries of the earth in place? What is his name? What is his son's name? Tell me if you know!

5. "Every word of God is perfect. He is like a shield to those who trust in him. He keeps them safe.

6. Don't add to his words. If you do, he will correct you. He will prove that you are a liar.

7. "Lord, I ask you for two things. Don't refuse me before I die.

8. Keep lies far away from me. Don't make me either poor or rich, but give me only the bread I need each day.

9. If you don't, I might have too much. Then I might say I don't know you. I might say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I might become poor and steal. Then I would bring shame to the name of my God.

10. "Don't tell lies about a servant when you talk to his master. If you do, he will call down curses on you. And you will pay for it.

11. "Some people call down curses on their fathers. Others don't bless their mothers.

12. Some are pure in their own eyes. But their dirty sins haven't been washed away.

13. Some have eyes that are very proud. They look down on others.

14. Some people have teeth like swords. The teeth in their jaws are as sharp as knives. They are ready to eat up the poor people of the earth. They are ready to eat up those who are the most needy.

15. "A bloodsucking worm has two daughters. They cry out, 'Give! Give!' "Three things are never satisfied. Four things never say, 'Enough!'

16. The first is the grave. The second is a woman who can't have a baby. The third is land. It never gets enough water. And the fourth is fire. It never says, 'Enough!'

17. "Some make fun of their fathers. Others laugh about obeying their mothers. The ravens of the valley will peck their eyes out. Then the vultures will eat them.

18. "Three things are too amazing for me. There are four things I don't understand.