Proverbs 17:1-4
Proverbs 17:1-4 The Message (MSG)
A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels. A wise servant takes charge of an unruly child and is honored as one of the family. As silver in a crucible and gold in a pan, so our lives are refined by GOD. Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip.
Proverbs 17:1-4 King James Version (KJV)
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than an house full of sacrifices with strife. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: But the LORD trieth the hearts. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Proverbs 17:1-4 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
Proverbs 17:1-4 New Century Version (NCV)
It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace than to have a feast where there is quarreling. A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful child and will even inherit a share of what the master leaves his children. A hot furnace tests silver and gold, but the LORD tests hearts. Evil people listen to evil words. Liars pay attention to cruel words.
Proverbs 17:1-4 American Standard Version (ASV)
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
Proverbs 17:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
Proverbs 17:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts. An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.
Proverbs 17:1-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Better is a dry morsel [of food served] with quietness and peace Than a house full of feasting [served] with strife and contention. A wise servant will rule over the [unworthy] son who acts shamefully and brings disgrace [to the family] And [the worthy servant] will share in the inheritance among the brothers. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. [Ps 26:2; Prov 27:21; Jer 17:10; Mal 3:3] An evildoer listens closely to wicked lips; And a liar pays attention to a destructive and malicious tongue.
Proverbs 17:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children. Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
Proverbs 17:1-4 The Passion Translation (TPT)
A simple, humble life with peace and quiet is far better than an opulent lifestyle with nothing but quarrels and strife at home. A wise, intelligent servant will be honored above a shameful son. He’ll even end up having a portion left to him in his master’s will. In the same way that gold and silver are refined by fire, the Lord purifies your heart by the tests and trials of life. Those eager to embrace evil listen to slander, for a liar loves to listen to lies.
Proverbs 17:1-4 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts. An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.