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Proverbs 17:7-9 - Compare All Versions

Proverbs 17:7-9 NIV (New International Version)

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 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)

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.

Proverbs 17:7-9 NLT (New Living Translation)

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 CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler. A bribe  seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds.  Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,  but whoever gossips about it separates friends.

Proverbs 17:7-9 KJV (King James Version)

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 NKJV (New King James Version)

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 MSG (The Message)

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 NASB2020 (New American Standard Bible - NASB)

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. One who conceals an offense seeks love, But one who repeats a matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:7-9 AMP (Amplified Bible)

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 NET (New English Translation)

Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler! A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds. The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.