New Living Translation NLT
New International Version NIV
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.
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.