New King James Version NKJV
King James Version KJV
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
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The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.
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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.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
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A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.
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They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all.
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Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
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Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
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Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
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He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
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He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.
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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.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
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The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
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When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
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He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
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Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
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As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
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The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.
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A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
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Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
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He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
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A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
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To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
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He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.
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He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer.
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Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
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He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
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He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
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He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
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When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The King James Version is in the public domain.