Proverbs 17:25-28
Proverbs 17:25-28 The Message (MSG)
A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father, a bitter pill for a mother to swallow. It’s wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others. The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.
Proverbs 17:25-28 King James Version (KJV)
A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, Nor to strike princes for equity. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:25-28 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him. It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
Proverbs 17:25-28 New Century Version (NCV)
Foolish children make their father sad and cause their mother great sorrow. It is not good to punish the innocent or to beat leaders for being honest. The wise say very little, and those with understanding stay calm. Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don’t speak, they appear to understand.
Proverbs 17:25-28 American Standard Version (ASV)
A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness. He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
Proverbs 17:25-28 New International Version (NIV)
A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right. The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
Proverbs 17:25-28 New King James Version (NKJV)
A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Proverbs 17:25-28 Amplified Bible (AMP)
A foolish son is a grief and anguish to his father And bitterness to her who gave birth to him. It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper). [James 1:19] Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:25-28 New Living Translation (NLT)
Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest. A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
Proverbs 17:25-28 The Passion Translation (TPT)
A father grieves over the foolishness of his child, and bitter sorrow fills his mother. It’s horrible to persecute a holy lover of God or to strike an honorable man for his integrity! Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure? That’s how you show that you are wise. An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected, no matter what you’re facing. When even a fool bites his tongue he’s considered wise. So shut your mouth when you are provoked— it will make you look smart.
Proverbs 17:25-28 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.