New King James Version | Berean Study Bible |
1The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. | 1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
2Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged. | 2A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. |
3A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. | 3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. |
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. | 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. |
5Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all. | 5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. |
6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. | 6Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. |
7Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father. | 7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. |
8One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor. | 8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. |
9One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. | 9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. |
10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good. | 10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. |
11The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out. | 11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. |
12When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. | 12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. |
13He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. | 13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
14Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. | 14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. |
15Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. | 15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. |
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. | 16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. |
17A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him. | 17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. |
18Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. | 18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. |
19He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! | 19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. |
20A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. | 20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. |
21To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. | 21To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. |
22A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him. | 22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
23He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. | 23He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. |
24Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer. | 24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys. |
25He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered. | 25A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. |
26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. | 26He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. |
27He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses. | 27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. |
28When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase. | 28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish. |
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