Proverbs 12:17-23
Proverbs 12:17-23 The Message (MSG)
Truthful witness by a good person clears the air, but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit. Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise. Truth lasts; lies are here today, gone tomorrow. Evil scheming distorts the schemer; peace-planning brings joy to the planner. No evil can overwhelm a good person, but the wicked have their hands full of it. God can’t stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word. Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
Proverbs 12:17-23 King James Version (KJV)
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: But a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: But the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: But to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: But the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: But they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Proverbs 12:17-23 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.
Proverbs 12:17-23 New Century Version (NCV)
An honest witness tells the truth, but a dishonest witness tells lies. Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing. Truth will continue forever, but lies are only for a moment. Those who plan evil are full of lies, but those who plan peace are happy. No harm comes to a good person, but an evil person’s life is full of trouble. The LORD hates those who tell lies but is pleased with those who keep their promises. Wise people keep what they know to themselves, but fools can’t keep from showing how foolish they are.
Proverbs 12:17-23 American Standard Version (ASV)
He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness; But a false witness, deceit. There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; But to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil. Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; But they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge; But the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Proverbs 12:17-23 New International Version (NIV)
An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
Proverbs 12:17-23 New King James Version (NKJV)
He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
Proverbs 12:17-23 Amplified Bible (AMP)
He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right, But a false witness utters deceit [in court]. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy. No harm befalls the righteous, But the wicked are filled with trouble. [Job 5:19; Ps 91:3; Prov 12:13; Is 46:4; Jer 1:8; Dan 6:27; 2 Tim 4:18] Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. [Prov 6:17; 11:20; Rev 22:15] A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time], But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness. [Is 32:6]
Proverbs 12:17-23 New Living Translation (NLT)
An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.
Proverbs 12:17-23 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Truthfulness marks the righteous, but the habitual liar can never be trusted. Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. Truthful words will stand the test of time, but one day every lie will be seen for what it is. Deception fills the hearts of those who plot harm, but those who plan for peace are filled with joy. Calamity is not allowed to overwhelm the righteous, but there’s nothing but trouble waiting for the wicked. Live in the truth and keep your promises, and the Lord will keep delighting in you, but he detests a liar. Those who possess wisdom don’t feel the need to impress others with what they know, but foolish ones make sure their ignorance is on display.
Proverbs 12:17-23 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.