King James Version KJV
Good News Translation GNT
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
1
The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave 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 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 poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
3
Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.
4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
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.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
5
Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
6
Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
7
Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents.
8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
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.
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
9
If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
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
If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap. The innocent will be well rewarded.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
11
Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.
12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
12
When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
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.
14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
14
Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
15
Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
16
A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.
17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
17
Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him.
18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
18
Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
19
A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
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.
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
21
Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
22
Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
23
Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
24
Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.
25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
25
Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
26
It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
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.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
28
People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.