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

The sinful run away when no one is trying to catch them, but those who are right with God have as much strength of heart 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.

When a nation sins, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and much learning, it will last a long time.

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

A poor man who makes it hard for the poor is like a heavy 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 turn away from the law praise the sinful, but those who keep the law fight against them.

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

Sinful men do not understand what is right and fair, but those who look to the Lord understand all things.

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

A poor man who walks in his honor is better than a rich man who is sinful in his ways.

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

He who keeps the law is a wise son, but a friend of men who eat too much puts his father to shame.

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

He who gets money by being paid much for the use of it, gathers it for him who will be kind to the poor.

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

He who turns his ear away from listening to the law, even his prayer is a hated thing.

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.

He who leads good people into a sinful way will fall into his own deep hole, but good will come to those without blame.

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 man who has understanding sees through him.

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

When those who are right with God win, there is great honor, but when the sinful rule, men hide themselves.

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

It will not go well for the man who hides his sins, but he who tells his sins and turns from them will be given loving-pity.

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

Happy is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who makes his heart hard will fall into trouble.

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

A sinful ruler over poor people is like a lion making noise or a bear running to fight.

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

A ruler who takes much from the people who have little does not have understanding. But he who hates wanting something that belongs to someone else will live a long time.

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

A man who is loaded down with the guilt of human blood will run in fear until death. 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.

He who walks without blame will be kept safe, but he who is sinful will fall all at once.

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 works his land will have more than enough food, but he who wastes his time will become very poor.

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

A faithful man will have many good things, but he who hurries to be rich will be punished for it.

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

To show favor is not good, because a man will sin for a piece of bread.

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

A man with a sinful eye hurries to be rich. He does not know that he will be in need.

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

He who speaks strong words to a man will later find more favor than he who gives false respect with his tongue.

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

He who robs his father or his mother, and says, “It is not a sin,” is the friend of a man who destroys.

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

A proud man starts fights, but all will go well for the man who trusts in the Lord.

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 he who walks in wisdom will be kept safe.

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 never want, but many bad things will happen to the man who shuts his eyes to the poor.

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

When the sinful rule, men hide themselves, but when they pass away, those who do what is right become many.