| Holman Christian Standard Bible | New Living Translation |
| 1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. | 1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. |
| 2When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures. | 2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. |
| 3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. | 3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. |
| 4Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law battle against them. | 4To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. |
| 5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything. | 5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely. |
| 6Better a poor man who lives with integrity than a rich man who distorts right and wrong. | 6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. |
| 7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. | 7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. |
| 8Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor. | 8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. |
| 9Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law-- even his prayer is detestable. | 9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
| 10The one who leads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. | 10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. |
| 11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. | 11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. |
| 12When the righteous triumph, there is great rejoicing, but when the wicked come to power, people hide themselves. | 12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. |
| 13The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. | 13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
| 14Happy is the one who is always reverent, but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. | 14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. |
| 15A wicked ruler over a helpless people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. | 15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. |
| 16A leader who lacks understanding is very oppressive, but one who hates dishonest profit prolongs his life. | 16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. |
| 17A man burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death. Let no one help him. | 17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him! |
| 18The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall. | 18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. |
| 19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. | 19A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. |
| 20A faithful man will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished. | 20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. |
| 21It is not good to show partiality-- yet a man may sin for a piece of bread. | 21Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. |
| 22A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn't know that poverty will come to him. | 22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. |
| 23One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. | 23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. |
| 24The one who robs his father or mother and says, "That's no sin," is a companion to a man who destroys. | 24Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer. |
| 25A greedy person provokes conflict, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper. | 25Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity. |
| 26The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. | 26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. |
| 27The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses. | 27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. |
| 28When the wicked come to power, people hide, but when they are destroyed, the righteous flourish. | 28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish. |
| Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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