Proverbs 17:14-16

Easy-to-Read Version

¹⁴The start of an argument is like a small leak in a dam. Stop it before a big fight breaks out.

¹⁵The Lord hates these two things: punishing the innocent and letting the guilty go free.

¹⁶Money is wasted on fools. They cannot buy wisdom when they have no sense.

Proverbs 17:14-16

New International Version

¹⁴Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.^(A)

¹⁵Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent^(B)—
the Lord detests them both.^(C)

¹⁶Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?^(D)

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

New International Version (NIV)