Proverbs 29:3-5 - Compare All Versions
Proverbs 29:3-5 MSG (The Message)
If you love wisdom, you’ll delight your parents, but you’ll destroy their trust if you run with prostitutes. A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he’s probably planning to take advantage of you.
Proverbs 29:3-5 KJV (King James Version)
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: But he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance. The king by judgment establisheth the land: But he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. A man that flattereth his neighbour Spreadeth a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:3-5 NASB1995 (New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995)
A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps.
Proverbs 29:3-5 NCV (New Century Version)
Those who love wisdom make their parents happy, but friends of prostitutes waste their money. If a king is fair, he makes his country strong, but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down. Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them.
Proverbs 29:3-5 ASV (American Standard Version)
Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance. The king by justice establisheth the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps.
Proverbs 29:3-5 NIV (New International Version)
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.
Proverbs 29:3-5 NKJV (New King James Version)
Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:3-5 AMP (Amplified Bible)
A man who loves [skillful and godly] wisdom makes his father joyful, But he who associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth. The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it. A man who flatters his neighbor [with smooth words intending to do harm] Is spreading a net for his own feet.
Proverbs 29:3-5 NLT (New Living Translation)
The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.
Proverbs 29:3-5 TPT (The Passion Translation)
When you love wisdom, your father is overjoyed. But when you associate with prostitutes, you waste your wealth in exchange for disgrace. A godly leader who values justice is a great strength and example to the people. But the one who sells his influence for money tears down what is right. Flattery can often be used as a trap to hide ulterior motives and take advantage of you.
Proverbs 29:3-5 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)
He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down. A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.