English Standard Version

Christian Standard Bible

1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

2When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

3A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.

3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.

4Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.

5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

5The evil do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything.

6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

6Better the poor person who lives with integrity than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.

7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

8Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor.

9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

9Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law--even his prayer is detestable.

10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

10The one who leads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

11A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.

13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

13The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

14Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

14Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

15A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

16A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life.

17If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.

17Someone burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him.

18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

18The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall.

19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

20A faithful person will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

21It is not good to show partiality--yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread.

22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

22A greedy one is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn't know that poverty will come to him.

23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

23One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.

24The one who robs his father or mother and says, "That's no sin," is a companion to a person who destroys.

25A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

25A greedy person stirs up conflict, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

26The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

27The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.

28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

28When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish.

ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.