Proverbs 17 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Proverbs 17 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
ASV Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.
WEB Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
YLT Better <FI>is<Fi> a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.
DRB Better is a dry morsel with joy, than a house full of victims with strife.
DBY Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting [with] strife.
GNV Better is a dry morsell, if peace be with it, then an house full of sacrifices with strife.
LSB Better is a dry morsel and tranquility with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.
Verse 2
KJV A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
ASV A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
WEB A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
YLT A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance.
DRB A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and shall divide the inheritance among the brethren.
DBY A wise servant shall rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
GNV A discrete seruant shall haue rule ouer a lewde sonne, and hee shall deuide the heritage among the brethren.
LSB A slave who acts insightfully will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.
Verse 3
KJV The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
ASV The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.
WEB The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.
YLT A refining pot <FI>is<Fi> for silver, and a furnace for gold, And the trier of hearts <FI>is<Fi> Jehovah.
DRB As silver is tried by fire, and gold in the furnace: so the Lord trieth the hearts.
DBY The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but Jehovah trieth the hearts.
GNV As is the fining pot for siluer, and the fornace for golde, so the Lord trieth the heartes.
LSB The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But Yahweh tests hearts.
Verse 4
KJV A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
ASV An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; [And] a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
WEB An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
YLT An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.
DRB The evil man obeyeth an unjust tongue: and the deceitful hearkeneth to lying lips.
DBY The evil-doer giveth heed to iniquitous lips; the liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
GNV The wicked giueth heed to false lippes, and a lyer hearkeneth to the naughtie tongue.
LSB An evildoer gives heed to lips of wickedness; A liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
Verse 5
KJV Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
ASV Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; [And] he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
WEB Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
YLT Whoso is mocking at the poor Hath reproached his Maker, Whoso is rejoicing at calamity is not acquitted.
DRB He that despiseth the poor, reproacheth his maker: and he that rejoiceth at another man's ruin, shall not be unpunished.
DBY Whoso mocketh a poor [man] reproacheth his Maker; he that is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent.
GNV Hee that mocketh the poore, reprocheth him, that made him: and he that reioyceth at destruction, shall not be vnpunished.
LSB He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at disaster will not go unpunished.
Verse 6
KJV Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
ASV Children`s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.
WEB Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.
YLT Sons' sons <FI>are<Fi> the crown of old men, And the glory of sons <FI>are<Fi> their fathers.
DRB Children's children are the crown of old men: and the glory of children are their fathers.
DBY Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
GNV Childres children are the crowne of the elders: and the glory of ye children are their fathers.
LSB Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the beauty of sons is their fathers.
Verse 7
KJV Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
ASV Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.
WEB Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
YLT Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.
DRB Eloquent words do not become a fool, nor lying lips a prince.
DBY Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble!
GNV Hie talke becommeth not a foole, much lesse a lying talke a prince.
LSB Excellent lips are not fitting for a wicked fool, Even less are lying lips for a noble man.
Verse 8
KJV A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
ASV A bribe is [as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
WEB A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
YLT A stone of grace <FI>is<Fi> the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
DRB The expectation of him that expecteth is a most acceptable jewel: whithersoever he turneth himself, he understandeth wisely.
DBY A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: whithersoever it turneth it prospereth.
GNV A rewarde is as a stone pleasant in the eyes of them that haue it: it prospereth, whithersoeuer it turneth.
LSB A bribe is a charm in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
Verse 9
KJV He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
ASV He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
WEB He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
YLT Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, And whoso is repeating a matter Is separating a familiar friend.
DRB He that concealeth a transgression, seeketh friendships: he that repeateth it again, separateth friends.
DBY He that covereth transgression seeketh love; but he that bringeth a matter up again separateth very friends.
GNV Hee that couereth a transgression, seeketh loue: but hee that repeateth a matter, separateth the prince.
LSB He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates close companions.
Verse 10
KJV A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
ASV A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
WEB A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
YLT Rebuke cometh down on the intelligent More than a hundred stripes on a fool.
DRB A reproof availeth more with a wise man, than a hundred stripes with a fool.
DBY A reproof entereth more deeply into him that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool.
GNV A reproofe entereth more into him that hath vnderstanding, then an hundreth stripes into a foole.
LSB A rebuke goes deeper into one who understands Than a hundred blows into a fool.
Verse 11
KJV An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
ASV An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
WEB An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
YLT An evil man seeketh only rebellion, And a fierce messenger is sent against him.
DRB An evil man always seeketh quarrels: but a cruel angel shall be sent against him.
DBY An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion; but a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
GNV A sedicious person seeketh onely euill, and a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
LSB A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Verse 12
KJV Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
ASV Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.
WEB Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
YLT The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And--not a fool in his folly.
DRB It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting in his own folly.
DBY Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.
GNV It is better for a man to meete a beare robbed of her whelpes, then a foole in his follie.
LSB Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.
Verse 13
KJV Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
ASV Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
WEB Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
YLT Whoso is returning evil for good, Evil moveth not from his house.
DRB He that rendereth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
DBY Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
GNV He that rewardeth euil for good, euil shall not depart from his house.
LSB He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.
Verse 14
KJV The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
ASV The beginning of strife is [as] when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
WEB The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
YLT The beginning of contention <FI>is<Fi> a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
DRB The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out water: and before he suffereth reproach, he forsaketh judgment.
DBY The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
GNV The beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters: therefore or the contention be medled with, leaue off.
LSB The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
Verse 15
KJV He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
ASV He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
WEB He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
YLT Whoso is justifying the wicked, And condemning the righteous, Even both of these <FI>are<Fi> an abomination to Jehovah.
DRB He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, both are abominable before God.
DBY He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are abomination to Jehovah.
GNV He that iustifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the iust, euen they both are abomination to the Lord.
LSB He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
Verse 16
KJV Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
ASV Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?
WEB Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?
YLT Why <FI>is<Fi> this--a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?
DRB What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh a downfall: and he that refuseth to learn, shall fall into evils.
DBY To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no sense?
GNV Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the foole to get wisdome, and he hath none heart?
LSB Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to acquire wisdom, When he has no heart of wisdom?
Verse 17
KJV A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
ASV A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
WEB A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
YLT At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.
DRB He that is a friend loveth at all times: and a brother is proved in distress.
DBY The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
GNV A friende loueth at all times: and a brother is borne for aduersitie.
LSB A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
Verse 18
KJV A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
ASV A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
WEB A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
YLT A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
DRB A foolish man will clap hands, when he is surety for his friend.
DBY A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour.
GNV A man destitute of vnderstanding, toucheth the hande, and becommeth suretie for his neighbour.
LSB A man lacking a heart of wisdom strikes his hands in pledge And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.
Verse 19
KJV He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
ASV He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.
WEB He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
YLT Whoso is loving transgression is loving debate, Whoso is making high his entrance is seeking destruction.
DRB He that studieth discords, loveth quarrels: and he that exalteth his door, seeketh ruin.
DBY He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh destruction.
GNV He loueth transgression, that loueth strife: and he that exalteth his gate, seeketh destruction.
LSB He who loves transgression loves quarreling; He who makes his doorway high seeks destruction.
Verse 20
KJV He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
ASV He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
WEB One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
YLT The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.
DRB He that is of a perverse heart, shall not find good: and he that perverteth his tongue, shall fall into evil.
DBY He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil.
GNV The froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a naughtie tongue, shall fall into euill.
LSB He who has a crooked heart finds no good, And he who is perverted in his tongue falls into evil.
Verse 21
KJV He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
ASV He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.
WEB He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.
YLT Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.
DRB A fool is born to his own disgrace: and even his father shall not rejoice in a fool.
DBY He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow, and the father of a vile [man] hath no joy.
GNV He that begetteth a foole, getteth himselfe sorow, and the father of a foole can haue no ioy.
LSB He who begets a fool does so to his grief, And the father of a wicked fool is not glad.
Verse 22
KJV A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
ASV A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
WEB A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
YLT A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.
DRB A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones.
DBY A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
GNV A ioyfull heart causeth good health: but a sorowfull minde dryeth the bones.
LSB A glad heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Verse 23
KJV A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
ASV A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.
WEB A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
YLT A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.
DRB The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.
DBY A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.
GNV A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome to wrest the wayes of iudgement.
LSB A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To thrust aside the paths of justice.
Verse 24
KJV Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
ASV Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
WEB Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
YLT The face of the intelligent <FI>is<Fi> to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool--at the end of the earth.
DRB Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth.
DBY Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
GNV Wisdome is in the face of him that hath vnderstanding: but the eyes of a foole are in the corners of the world.
LSB Wisdom is in the presence of the one who understands, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
Verse 25
KJV A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
ASV A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.
WEB A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
YLT A provocation to his father <FI>is<Fi> a foolish son, And bitterness to her that bare him.
DRB A foolish son is the anger of the father: and the sorrow of the mother that bore him.
DBY A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.
GNV A foolish sonne is a griefe vnto his father, and a heauines to her that bare him.
LSB A foolish son is a vexation to his father And bitterness to her who gave birth to him.
Verse 26
KJV Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
ASV Also to punish the righteous is not good, [Nor] to smite the noble for [their] uprightness.
WEB Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
YLT Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.
DRB It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right.
DBY To punish a righteous [man] is not good, nor to strike nobles because of [their] uprightness.
GNV Surely it is not good to condemne the iust, nor that ye princes should smite such for equitie.
LSB It is also not good to punish the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
Verse 27
KJV He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
ASV He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
WEB He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
YLT One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper <FI>is<Fi> a man of understanding.
DRB He that setteth bounds to his words, is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.
DBY He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit.
GNV Hee that hath knowledge, spareth his wordes, and a man of vnderstanding is of an excellent spirit.
LSB He who holds back his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of discernment.
Verse 28
KJV Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
ASV Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is [esteemed as] prudent.
WEB Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
YLT Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!
DRB Even a fool, if he will hold his peace, shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.
DBY Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.
GNV Euen a foole (when he holdeth his peace) is counted wise, and hee that stoppeth his lips, prudent.
LSB Even an ignorant fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered understanding.