| King James Version (KJV) |
New International Version (NIV) |
|
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth : but the righteous are bold as a lion.
|
1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
|
|
2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged .
|
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
|
|
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
|
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
|
|
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
|
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
|
|
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
|
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
|
|
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
|
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
|
|
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
|
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
|
|
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
|
8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
|
|
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
|
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.
|
|
10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession .
|
10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
|
|
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out .
|
11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
|
|
12 When righteous men do rejoice , there is great glory: but when the wicked rise , a man is hidden .
|
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.
|
|
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy .
|
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
|
|
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
|
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
|
|
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
|
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.
|
|
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
|
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.
|
|
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
|
17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him.
|
|
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved : but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
|
18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.
|
|
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
|
19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
|
|
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent .
|
20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
|
|
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress .
|
21 To show partiality is not good-- yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
|
|
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
|
22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
|
|
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
|
23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
|
|
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith , It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer .
|
24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"-- he is partner to him who destroys.
|
|
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat .
|
25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
|
|
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered .
|
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
|
|
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
|
27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
|
|
28 When the wicked rise , men hide themselves: but when they perish , the righteous increase .
|
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
|
| The King James Version is in the public domain. (The King James Bible Version Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
