1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. 2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. 3 A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. 4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. 5 Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely. 6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. 7 Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. 8 Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. 9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. 10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. 11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. 12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. 13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. 14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. 15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. 16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. 17 A murderer's tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don't protect him! 18 The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. 19 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. 20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. 21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread. 22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don't realize they're headed for poverty. 23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. 24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, "What's wrong with that?" is no better than a murderer. 25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity. 26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. 27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. 28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
1 The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one's after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions. 2 When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it--But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out. 3 The wicked who oppress the poor are like a hailstorm that beats down the harvest. 4 If you desert God's law, you're free to embrace depravity; if you love God's law, you fight for it tooth and nail. 5 Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek GOD know it inside and out. 6 It's better to be poor and direct than rich and crooked. 7 Practice God's law--get a reputation for wisdom; hang out with a loose crowd--embarrass your family. 8 Get as rich as you want through cheating and extortion, But eventually some friend of the poor is going to give it all back to them. 9 God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him. 10 Lead good people down a wrong path and you'll come to a bad end; do good and you'll be rewarded for it. 11 The rich think they know it all, but the poor can see right through them. 12 When good people are promoted, everything is great, but when the bad are in charge, watch out! 13 You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them. 14 A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life. 15 Lions roar and bears charge--and the wicked lord it over the poor. 16 Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright. 17 A murderer haunted by guilt is doomed--there's no helping him. 18 Walk straight--live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life. 19 Work your garden--you'll end up with plenty of food; play and party--you'll end up with an empty plate. 20 Committed and persistent work pays off; get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs. 21 Playing favorites is always a bad thing; you can do great harm in seemingly harmless ways. 22 A miser in a hurry to get rich doesn't know that he'll end up broke. 23 In the end, serious reprimand is appreciated far more than bootlicking flattery. 24 Anyone who robs father and mother and says, "So, what's wrong with that?" is worse than a pirate. 25 A grasping person stirs up trouble, but trust in GOD brings a sense of well-being. 26 If you think you know it all, you're a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others. 27 Be generous to the poor--you'll never go hungry; shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses. 28 When corruption takes over, good people go underground, but when the crooks are thrown out, it's safe to come out.
1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso 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. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. 12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. 15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. 17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. 18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. 23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all. 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor. 9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out. 12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. 14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. 17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him. 18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer. 25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered. 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses. 28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. 3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all things. 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich. 7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. 14 How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. 17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him. 18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is crooked will fall all at once. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 He who robs his father or his mother And says, "It is not a transgression," Is the companion of a man who destroys. 25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
1 THE WICKED flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion. 2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food [plundering them of their last morsels]. 4 Those who forsake the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, but those who keep the law [of God and man] contend with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but they who crave and seek the Lord understand it fully. 6 Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity than he who willfully goes in double and wrong ways, though he is rich. 7 Whoever keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons and the carousing, self-indulgent, and extravagant shames his father. 8 He who by charging excessive interest and who by unjust efforts to get gain increases his material possession gathers it for him [to spend] who is kind and generous to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God]. 10 Whoever leads the upright astray into an evil way, he will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes and conceit, but the poor man who has understanding will find him out. 12 When the [uncompromisingly] righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; but when the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves. 13 He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. 14 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears [the Lord] at all times [regardless of circumstances], but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days. 17 If a man willfully sheds the blood of a person [and keeps the guilt of murder upon his conscience], he is fleeing to the pit (the grave) and hastening to his own destruction; let no man stop him! 18 He who walks uprightly shall be safe, but he who willfully goes in double and wrong ways shall fall in one of them. 19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless people and pursuits will have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished. 21 To have respect of persons and to show partiality is not good, neither is it good that man should transgress for a piece of bread. 22 He who has an evil and covetous eye hastens to be rich and knows not that want will come upon him. 23 He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, This is no sin--he is in the same class as [an open, lawless robber and] a destroyer. 25 He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed. 26 He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a [self-confident] fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; but when they perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become many.
1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. 2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. 3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. 6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse. 7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. 9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable. 10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. 11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding. 13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people. 16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life. 17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him. 18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall. 19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. 20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good- yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. 22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him. 23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue. 24 He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong"- he is partner to him who destroys. 25 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. 27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. 28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. 6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. 7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. 9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance. 11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 14 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days. 17 If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. 18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. 19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. 22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him. 23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no transgression," is a companion to a man who destroys. 25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. 26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. 27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.