Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
1
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a land transgresses it has many rulers; but with men of understanding and knowledge its stability will long continue.
2
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.
3
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.
4
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
5
Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways.
6
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. 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.