24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”

will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.

25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and rich blessing will come on them.

26 An honest answer

is like a kiss on the lips.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous;

Him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight,

And a good blessing shall come upon them.

26 Every man shall kiss his lips

That giveth a right answer.

24 A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”

will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.

25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;

rich blessings will be showered on them.

26 An honest answer

is like a kiss of friendship.

24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”

Him the people will curse;

Nations will abhor him.

25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

24 Don’t tell the wicked that they are innocent;

people will curse you, and nations will hate you.

25 But things will go well if you punish the guilty,

and you will receive rich blessings.

26 An honest answer is as pleasing

as a kiss on the lips.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous,

Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him;

25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight,

And a good blessing shall come upon them.

26 He kisseth the lips

Who giveth a right answer.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him; 25 but to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing cometh upon them. 26 He kisseth the lips who giveth a right answer.

24 Whoever says to a guilty person, “You are innocent,” 

will be cursed by people and condemned by nations. 

25 But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person, 

and a great blessing will come to them. 

26 Giving a straight answer is ⸤like⸥ a kiss on the lips. 

24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent” —

people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him;

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and a generous blessing will come to them.

26 He who gives an honest answer

gives a kiss on the lips.

24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”

will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;

25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 One who gives an honest answer

gives a kiss on the lips.

24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are righteous,” the people will curse him;

the nations will abhor him.

25 But they who rebuke will have delight,

and upon them blessings of goodness will come.

26 He will kiss the lips,

he who gives an honest answer.

24 A curse will fall on those who say the guilty are not guilty.

Nations will call down curses on them.

People will speak against them.

25 But it will go well with those who sentence guilty people.

Rich blessings will come to them.

26 An honest answer

is like a kiss on the lips.

24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”

Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;

25 But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight,

And a good blessing will come upon them.

26 He kisses the lips

Who gives a right answer.