King James Bible | New Living Translation |
1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. | 1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. |
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. | 2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. |
3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. | 3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. |
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. | 4To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. |
5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. | 5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely. |
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. | 6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. |
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. | 7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. |
8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. | 8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. |
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. | 9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
10Whoso 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. | 10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. |
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. | 11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. |
12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. | 12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. |
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. | 13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. | 14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. |
15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. | 15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. |
16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. | 16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. |
17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. | 17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him! |
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. | 18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. |
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. | 19A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. |
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. | 20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. |
21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. | 21Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. |
22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. | 22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. |
23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. | 23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. |
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. | 24Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer. |
25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. | 25Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity. |
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. | 26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. |
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. | 27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. |
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. | 28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish. |
King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com. | 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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