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 flee 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 ruler with discernment 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.
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Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
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Evildoers do not understand what is right, 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.
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Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich 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.
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A discerning son heeds instruction, 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
Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor 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.
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If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their 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
Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
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.