Proverbs 12:24-26

New International Reader's Version

²⁴Hands that work hard will rule.
But people who are lazy will be forced to work.

²⁵Worry makes the heart heavy.
But a kind word cheers it up.

²⁶Godly people are careful about the friends they choose.
But the way of sinners leads them down the wrong path.

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)

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

New International Version (NIV)