English Standard Version

New Living Translation

1The wicked flee when no one pursues, 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.

2When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.

3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive 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 it completely.

5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely.

6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.

7The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

8Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.

10Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

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 understanding will find him out.

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 glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17If one is burdened with the blood of another, he 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!

18Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

19A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

21Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” 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 man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

25Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.

26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get 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, people 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.

ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

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.