Proverbs 13:14-20
Proverbs 13:14-20 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:14-20 The Message (MSG)
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells! Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness. Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life. Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of soul. Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
Proverbs 13:14-20 King James Version (KJV)
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: But the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: But a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: But a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: But it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:14-20 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. Desire realized is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:14-20 New Century Version (NCV)
The teaching of a wise person gives life. It is like a fountain that can save people from death. People with good understanding will be well liked, but the lives of those who are not trustworthy are hard. Every wise person acts with good sense, but fools show how foolish they are. A wicked messenger brings nothing but trouble, but a trustworthy one makes everything right. A person who refuses correction will end up poor and disgraced, but the one who accepts correction will be honored. It is so good when wishes come true, but fools hate to stop doing evil. Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer.
Proverbs 13:14-20 American Standard Version (ASV)
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard. Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.
Proverbs 13:14-20 New International Version (Anglicised) (NIVUK)
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Good judgment wins favour, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honoured. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:14-20 New King James Version (NKJV)
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health. Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:14-20 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death. Good understanding wins favor [from others], But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil]. Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see]. A wicked messenger falls into hardship, But a faithful ambassador brings healing. Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instruction and discipline, But he who accepts and learns from reproof or censure is honored. Desire realized is sweet to the soul; But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned]. He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm. [Is 32:6]
Proverbs 13:14-20 New Living Translation (NLT)
The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
Proverbs 13:14-20 The Passion Translation (TPT)
When the lovers of God teach you truth, a fountain of life opens up within you, and their wise instruction will deliver you from the ways of death. Everyone admires a wise, sensible person, but the treacherous walk on the path of ruin. Everything a wise and shrewd man does comes from a source of revelation-knowledge, but the behavior of a fool puts foolishness on parade! An undependable messenger causes a lot of trouble, but the trustworthy and wise messengers release healing wherever they go. Poverty and disgrace come to the one who refuses to hear criticism. But the one who is easy to correct is on the path of honor. When God fulfills your longings, sweetness fills your soul. But the wicked refuse to turn from darkness to see their desires come to pass. If you want to grow in wisdom, spend time with the wise. Walk with the wicked and you’ll eventually become just like them.