King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
16
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
17
Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
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for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
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So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
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Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
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teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?
22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
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Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,
23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
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for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
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Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
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or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
26
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
The King James Version is in the public domain.
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.