Other translations
New Catholic Bible
A wise man can become beloved by means of his words, but the courtesies of fools are futile.
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
The wise make themselves beloved by only few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
Good News Translation®
When a person with good judgment speaks, he wins friends. A stupid person, though, can shower compliments on everybody, and it won't help him a bit.
Wycliffe Bible
A wise man in words maketh himself amiable; but the graces of fools shall be shed out. [A wise man in words maketh himself lovable; the graces forsooth of fools shall be poured out.]
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
The wise man makes himself beloved through his words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The wise make themselves beloved by only few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition
The wise make themselves beloved by only few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
Common English Bible © 2011
Wise people make themselves dearly loved by means of words, but fools pour out gifts.
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
The wise make themselves beloved by a few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
Revised Standard Version
The wise man makes himself beloved through his words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised
The wise make themselves beloved by only few words, but the courtesies of fools are wasted.