Proverbs 17:14-16

New King James Version

¹⁴The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore ^(A)stop contention before a quarrel starts.

¹⁵^(B)He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

¹⁶Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for 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 King James Version (NKJV)

New International Version (NIV)