New King James Version | International Standard Version |
1The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. | 1The wicked flee, though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold like 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. | 2When a land transgresses, it gains a succession of leaders, but with an understanding and knowledgeable man, its stability endures. |
3A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. | 3A poor man who oppresses the weak is like a rainstorm that destroys all the crops. |
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 whoever keeps it fights them. |
5Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all. | 5Evil men don't understand justice, but whoever seeks the LORD understands it all. |
6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. | 6It's better to be poor and live a blameless life than to be rich but crooked in one's lifestyle. |
7Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father. | 7Whoever keeps the Law is a discerning son, but whoever keeps company with gluttons brings shame to his father. |
8One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor. | 8Whoever gains wealth by charging exorbitant interest collects it for someone who is kind to the poor. |
9One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. | 9If someone quits listening to 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. | 10Whoever misleads the upright along an evil way will himself 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. | 11The rich man may be wise in his own opinion; but a discerning, poor man sees through him. |
12When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. | 12When the righteous are victorious, there is great glory, but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. |
13He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. | 13Whoever hides his transgressions will not succeed, but whoever confesses and forsakes 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 always fears the LORD, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into disaster. |
15Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. | 15A roaring lion and a charging bear— that's what a wicked tyrant is over poor people. |
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. | 16A Commander-in-Chief who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding, but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer. |
17A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him. | 17A guilty man tormented by bloodshed will be a lifelong fugitive; let no one support him. |
18Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. | 18Whoever lives blamelessly will be delivered, but whoever is perverted will fall without warning. |
19He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! | 19Whoever works his farmland will have abundant food, but whoever chases fantasies will become very poor. |
20A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. | 20The faithful man will prosper with blessings, but whoever is in a hurry to get rich will not escape punishment. |
21To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. | 21To show partiality isn't good, yet for a piece of bread the valiant will transgress. |
22A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him. | 22The miser is in a hurry to get wealthy, but he isn't aware that poverty will catch up with him. |
23He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. | 23Whoever rebukes a man will later on find more favor than someone who flatters with his words. |
24Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer. | 24Whoever steals from his father or mother but claims, "It's no sin," is a companion to someone who demolishes. |
25He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered. | 25An arrogant man stirs up dissension, but anyone who trusts in the LORD prospers. |
26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. | 26Whoever trusts in himself is foolish, but whoever lives wisely will be kept 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 never lack, but whoever shuts his eyes to their poverty will be cursed. |
28When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase. | 28When the wicked rise to power, people hide themselves, but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase. |
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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