Proverbs 12:24-26

New Century Version

²⁴Hard workers will become leaders,
but those who are lazy will be slaves.

²⁵Worry is a heavy load,
but a kind word cheers you up.

²⁶Good people take advice from their friends,
but an evil person is easily led to do wrong.

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.

New Century Version (NCV)

New International Version (NIV)