Good News Translation GNT
World English Bible WEB
1 The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.
1
The wicked flee when 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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In rebellion, a land has many rulers, But order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.
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A needy man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which 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 the law praise the wicked; But those who keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
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Evil men don't understand justice; But those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.
6 Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
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Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
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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Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; But he who is a companion of gluttons shames 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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He who increases his wealth by excessive interest Gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
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He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
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 causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He will fall into his own trap; But the blameless will inherit good.
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 man is wise in his own eyes; But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
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 glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
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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He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, But whoever 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 man who always fears; But one who hardens his 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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As a roaring lion or a charging bear, So is a wicked ruler over 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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The ruler who lacks judgment is a great tyrant. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
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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A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; No one will support him.
18 Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
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Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; But one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
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One who works his land will have an abundance of food; But one who chases fantasies will have his 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 man is rich with blessings; But one who is eager to be 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 man 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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A stingy man hurries after riches, And doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
23 Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.
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One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than one who flatters with the 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 his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.
25 Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
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One who is greedy stirs up strife; But one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
26 It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.
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One who trusts in himself is a fool; But one who walks in wisdom, he is 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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One who gives to the poor has no lack; But one who closes his eyes will have 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, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous thrive.