New Living Translation NLT
Common English Bible CEB
1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
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The wicked run away even though no one pursues them, but the righteous are as confident as a lion.
2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
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When a land rebels, there are many leaders; but a person with understanding brings order.
3 A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
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Poor people who oppress the needy are rain that washes away food.
4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
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Those who abandon Instruction praise the wicked, but those who follow Instruction battle them.
5 Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely.
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Evil people don't understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything.
6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
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Better to be poor and walk in innocence than to be on crooked paths and wealthy.
7 Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
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Intelligent children follow Instruction, but those who befriend gluttons shame their parents.
8 Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
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Those who become rich through high interest rates gather money for those who are generous to the poor.
9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
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Those who turn their ears from hearing Instruction— even their prayers will be detested.
10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
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Whoever misleads those who do right onto an evil path will fall into their own pit, but the blameless will inherit good things.
11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
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Rich people think they are wise, but an insightful poor person sees through them.
12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
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When the righteous rejoice, there is great respect, but people hide when the wicked prosper.
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
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Those who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.
14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
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Happy are those who are continually fearful, but those whose hearts are hard fall into trouble.
15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
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A wicked ruler over the poor is like a growling lion or a prowling bear.
16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
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A prince without understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates unjust gain will live long.
17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
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If someone feels guilty about murder, don't hold them back from fleeing to the pit.
18 The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
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Those who walk in innocence will be saved, but those who go on twisted paths will fall into the grave.
19 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
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Those who work the land will have plenty to eat, but those with worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
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Reliable people will have abundant blessings, but those with get-rich-quick schemes won't go unpunished.
21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
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Those who show favoritism aren't good; people do wrong for a crust of bread.
22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
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The stingy try to get rich fast, unaware that loss will come to them.
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
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Those who correct someone will, in the end, find more favor than those with flattering tongues.
24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.
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Those who steal from their father and mother, and say, "It's not a crime," are friends of vandals.
25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.
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Greedy people stir up conflict, but those who trust the LORD become prosperous.
26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
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Those who trust in their own reasoning are fools, but those who walk in wisdom will be kept safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
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Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who turn a blind eye will be greatly cursed.
28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
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When the wicked rise up, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous multiply.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible