The Bible in Basic English BBE
Good News Translation GNT
1 The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
1
The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.
2 Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
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When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders.
3 A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
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Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.
4 Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
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If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.
5 Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
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Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
6 Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
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Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
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Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents.
8 He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
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If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.
9 As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
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If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
10 Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
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If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap. The innocent will be well rewarded.
11 The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
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Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.
12 When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
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When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.
13 He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
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You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.
14 Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
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Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined.
15 Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
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Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.
16 The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
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A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.
17 One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
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Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him.
18 He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
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Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
19 By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
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A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
20 A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
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Honest people will lead a full, happy life. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to be punished.
21 It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
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Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.
22 He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
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Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.
23 He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
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Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.
24 He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
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Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.
25 He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
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Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
26 He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
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It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.
27 He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
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Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.
28 When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.
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People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.