English Standard Version | New Living Translation |
1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. | 1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. |
2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. | 2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. |
3A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. | 3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. |
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. | 4To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. |
5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. | 5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely. |
6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. | 6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. |
7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. | 7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. |
8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. | 8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. |
9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. | 9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. | 10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. |
11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. | 11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. |
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. | 12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. |
13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. | 13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
14Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. | 14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. |
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. | 15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. |
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. | 16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. |
17If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. | 17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him! |
18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. | 18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. |
19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. | 19A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. |
20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. | 20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. |
21To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. | 21Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. |
22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him. | 22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. |
23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue. | 23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. |
24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys. | 24Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer. |
25A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. | 25Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity. |
26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. | 26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. |
27Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. | 27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. |
28When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase. | 28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly 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. | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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