King James Bible

International Standard Version

1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

1The wicked flee, though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold like a lion.

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 a land transgresses, it gains a succession of leaders, but with an understanding and knowledgeable man, its stability endures.

3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

3A poor man who oppresses the weak is like a rainstorm that destroys all the crops.

4They that 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 understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

5Evil men don't understand justice, but whoever seeks the LORD understands it all.

6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is 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.

7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

7Whoever keeps the Law is a discerning son, but whoever keeps company with gluttons brings shame to his father.

8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

8Whoever gains wealth by charging exorbitant interest collects it for someone who is kind to the poor.

9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

9If someone quits listening to the Law even his prayer is detestable.

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.

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 conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

11The rich man may be wise in his own opinion; but a discerning, poor man sees through him.

12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

12When the righteous are victorious, there is great glory, but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

13Whoever hides his transgressions will not succeed, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will find mercy.

14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

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

15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

15A roaring lion and a charging bear— that's what a wicked tyrant is over poor people.

16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

16A Commander-in-Chief who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding, but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer.

17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

17A guilty man tormented by bloodshed will be a lifelong fugitive; let no one support him.

18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

18Whoever lives blamelessly will be delivered, but whoever is perverted will fall without warning.

19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

19Whoever works his farmland will have abundant food, but whoever chases fantasies will become very poor.

20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

20The faithful man will prosper with blessings, but whoever is in a hurry to get rich will not escape punishment.

21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

21To show partiality isn't good, yet for a piece of bread the valiant will transgress.

22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall 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 that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

23Whoever rebukes a man will later on find more favor than someone who flatters with his words.

24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

24Whoever steals from his father or mother but claims, "It's no sin," is a companion to someone who demolishes.

25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

25An arrogant man stirs up dissension, but anyone who trusts in the LORD prospers.

26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

26Whoever trusts in himself is foolish, but whoever lives wisely will be kept 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 never lack, but whoever shuts his eyes to their poverty will be cursed.

28When the wicked rise, 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.

King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.