Proverbs 12:17–20
17 aWhoever speaks2 the truth gives honest evidence,
but ba false witness utters deceit.
18 cThere is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings dhealing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but ea lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of fthose who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — The New International Version (NIV)
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — King James Version (KJV 1900)
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness:
But a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:
But the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever:
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil:
But to the counsellers of peace is joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — New Living Translation (NLT)
17 An honest witness tells the truth;
a false witness tells lies.
18 Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing.
19 Truthful words stand the test of time,
but lies are soon exposed.
20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
Proverbs 12:17–20 — The New King James Version (NKJV)
17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — New Century Version (NCV)
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a dishonest witness tells lies.
18 Careless words stab like a sword,
but wise words bring healing.
19 Truth will continue forever,
but lies are only for a moment.
20 Those who plan evil are full of lies,
but those who plan peace are happy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — American Standard Version (ASV)
17 He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness;
But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword;
But the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever;
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil;
But to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY)
17 He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that babbleth like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
17 A truthful witness speaks honestly,
but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.
18 Careless words stab like a sword,
but the words of wise people bring healing.
19 The word of truth lasts forever,
but lies last only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,
but joy belongs to those who advise peace.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness speaks deceitfully.
18 Rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — The Lexham English Bible (LEB)
17 He who will speak truth will reveal righteousness,
but the witness of falsehood, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 A lip of truth endures forever,
but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,
but to those who plan peace, there is joy.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — New International Reader’s Version (1998) (NIrV)
17 An honest witness tells the truth.
But a dishonest witness tells lies.
18 Thoughtless words cut like a sword.
But the tongue of wise people brings healing.
19 Truthful words last forever.
But lies last for only a moment.
20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.
But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.
Proverbs 12:17–20 — New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (NASB95)
17 He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.