Proverbs 22:3-6
Proverbs 22:3-6 The Message (MSG)
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered. The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-GOD is plenty and honor and a satisfying life. The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it. Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost.
Proverbs 22:3-6 King James Version (KJV)
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: But the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, and honour, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: He that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it. The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 New Century Version (NCV)
The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble. Respecting the LORD and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life. Evil people’s lives are like paths covered with thorns and traps. People who guard themselves don’t have such problems. Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 American Standard Version (ASV)
A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it. The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse: He that keepeth his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 New International Version (NIV)
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 New King James Version (NKJV)
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 Amplified Bible (AMP)
A prudent and far-sighted person sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it], But the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Is riches, honor, and life. [Prov 21:21] Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate [for their lack of honor and their wrong-doing traps them]; He who guards himself [with godly wisdom] will be far from them and avoid the consequences they suffer. Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. [Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:15]
Proverbs 22:3-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it. Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:3-6 The Passion Translation (TPT)
A prudent person with insight foresees danger coming and prepares himself for it. But the senseless rush blindly forward and suffer the consequences. Laying your life down in tender surrender before the Lord will bring life, prosperity, and honor as your reward. Twisted and perverse lives are surrounded by demonic influence. If you value your soul, stay far away from them. Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go, and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life.
Proverbs 22:3-6 English Standard Version 2025 (ESV)
The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
