King James Bible

New Living Translation

1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: 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.

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

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

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

4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

4To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

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

6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.

11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

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

23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

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

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

24Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

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

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

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

26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is 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 lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28When the wicked rise, men 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.

King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

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.