Good News Translation GNT
New International Version NIV
1 The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.
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The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 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.
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When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.
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A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 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.
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Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
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Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
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Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents.
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A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.
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Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
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If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
10 If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap. The innocent will be well rewarded.
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Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.
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The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12 When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.
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When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13 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.
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Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined.
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Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.
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Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.
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A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17 Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him.
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Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.
18 Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
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The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.
19 A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
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Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
20 Honest people will lead a full, happy life. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to be punished.
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A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.
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To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.
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The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
23 Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.
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Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
24 Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.
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Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.
25 Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
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The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
26 It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.
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Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
27 Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.
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Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
28 People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.
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When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
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.