Proverbs 17:7-9
Proverbs 17:7-9 The Message (MSG)
We don’t expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders. Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted. Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!
Proverbs 17:7-9 King James Version (KJV)
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 New Century Version (NCV)
Fools should not be proud, and rulers should not be liars. Some people think they can pay others to do anything they ask. They think it will work every time. Whoever forgives someone’s sin makes a friend, but gossiping about the sin breaks up friendships.
Proverbs 17:7-9 American Standard Version (ASV)
Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 New International Version (NIV)
Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 New King James Version (NKJV)
Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers. He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind], Much less do lying lips benefit a prince. A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper! Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:7-9 The Passion Translation (TPT)
It is not proper for a leader to lie and deceive, and don’t expect excellent words to be spoken by a fool. Wise instruction is like a costly gem. It turns the impossible into success. Love overlooks the mistakes of others, but dwelling on the failures of others devastates friendships.
Proverbs 17:7-9 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince. A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers. Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.