Proverbs 17:14-16

New International Reader's Version

¹⁴Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam.
So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.

¹⁵The Lord hates two things.
He hates it when the guilty are set free.
He also hates it when those who aren’t guilty are punished.

¹⁶Why should a foolish person try to buy wisdom?
They are not even able to understand it.

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)

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

New International Version (NIV)