New Living Translation

1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,<br>but the godly are as bold as lions.<br> 2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.<br>But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.<br> 3 A poor person who oppresses the poor<br>is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.<br> 4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;<br>to obey the law is to fight them.<br> 5 Evil people don’t understand justice,<br>but those who follow the LORD understand completely.<br> 6 Better to be poor and honest<br>than to be dishonest and rich.<br> 7 Young people who obey the law are wise;<br>those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.<br> 8 Income from charging high interest rates<br>will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.<br> 9 God (Elohim) detests the prayers<br>of a person who ignores the law.<br> 10 Those who lead good people along an evil path<br>will fall into their own trap,<br>but the honest will inherit good things.<br> 11 Rich people may think they are wise,<br>but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.<br> 12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.<br>When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.<br> 13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,<br>but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.<br> 14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,<br>but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.<br> 15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor<br>as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.<br> 16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,<br>but one who hates corruption will have a long life.<br> 17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.<br>Don’t protect him!<br> 18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,<br>but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.<br> 19 A hard worker has plenty of food,<br>but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.<br> 20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,<br>but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.<br> 21 Showing partiality is never good,<br>yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.<br> 22 Greedy people try to get rich quick<br>but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.<br> 23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism<br>far more than flattery.<br> 24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother<br>and says, “What’s wrong with that?”<br>is no better than a murderer.<br> 25 Greed causes fighting;<br>trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.<br> 26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,<br>but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.<br> 27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,<br>but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.<br> 28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.<br>When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.<br>