New Living Translation NLT
New International Version NIV
1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
1
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
2
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
3
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
4
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely.
5
Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
6
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
7
A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
8
Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
9
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
10
Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
11
The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
12
When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
13
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
14
Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
15
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
16
A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
17
Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
18 The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
18
The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
19 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
19
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
20
A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
21
To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
22
The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
23
Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.
24
Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.
25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.
25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
26
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
27
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
28
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.