Modern Translations
New International Version Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
New Living Translation Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
English Standard Version Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
Berean Study Bible Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
New American Standard Bible Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.
NASB 1995 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.
NASB 1977 Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool; Much less are lying lips to a prince.
Amplified Bible Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind], Much less do lying lips
benefit a prince.
Christian Standard Bible Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler.
Holman Christian Standard Bible Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool's lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler.
Contemporary English Version It sounds strange for a fool to talk sensibly, but it's even worse for a ruler to tell lies.
Good News Translation Respected people do not tell lies, and fools have nothing worthwhile to say.
GOD'S WORD® Translation Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool. How much less does lying fit a noble person!
International Standard Version Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool; how much more are deceitful statements with a prince!
NET Bible Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler!