1 T he wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.

The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 F or the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

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 needy man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4 T hey that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.

5 E vil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.

Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all.

6 B etter is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 W hoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 H e that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.

One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

9 H e that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 W hoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.

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 T he rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12 W hen the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13 H e that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14 H appy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15 A s a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.

16 T he prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.

18 W hoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19 H e that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 T o have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 h e that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

23 H e that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

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

Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “ It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer.

25 H e that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.

26 H e that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

27 H e that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

28 W hen the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.

When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.