Proverbs 12:24-26

Easy-to-Read Version

²⁴Those who work hard will be put in charge of others, but lazy people will have to work like slaves.

²⁵Worry takes away your joy, but a kind word makes you happy.

²⁶Good people are careful about choosing their friends, but evil people always choose the wrong ones.

Proverbs 12:24-26

New International Version

²⁴Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.^(A)

²⁵Anxiety weighs down the heart,^(B)
but a kind word cheers it up.

²⁶The righteous choose their friends carefully,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.^(C)

²⁴The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

²⁵Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

²⁶The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

New International Version (NIV)