| Berean Study Bible | New Living Translation |
| 1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. | 1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. |
| 2A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. | 2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. |
| 3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving 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 resist 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 comprehend fully. | 5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely. |
| 6Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. | 6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. |
| 7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. | 7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. |
| 8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. | 8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. |
| 9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. | 9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
| 10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. | 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 with discernment sees through him. | 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, men hide themselves. | 12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. |
| 13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. | 13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
| 14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. | 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 helpless people. | 15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. |
| 16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. | 16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. |
| 17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. | 17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him! |
| 18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. | 18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed. |
| 19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill 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 one eager 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, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. | 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 awaits him. | 22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. |
| 23He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. | 23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. |
| 24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the 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 he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. | 25Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity. |
| 26He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. | 26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. |
| 27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. | 27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. |
| 28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish. | 28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish. |
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