1 The wicked flee when none pursueth: but the righteous are bolde as a lyon. 2 For the transgression of the land there are many princes thereof: but by a man of vnderstanding and knowledge a realme likewise endureth long. 3 A poore man, if he oppresse the poore, is like a raging raine, that leaueth no foode. 4 They that forsake the Law, prayse the wicked: but they that keepe the Law, set themselues against them. 5 Wicked men vnderstand not iudgemnt: but they that seeke the Lord vnderstand all things. 6 Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse, then hee that peruerteth his wayes, though he be riche. 7 He that keepeth the Law, is a childe of vnderstanding: but hee that feedeth the gluttons, shameth his father. 8 He that increaseth his riches by vsurie and interest, gathereth them for him that will be mercifull vnto the poore. 9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the Law, euen his prayer shalbe abominable. 10 He that causeth the righteous to go astray by an euill way, shall fall into his owne pit, and the vpright shall inherite good things. 11 The riche man is wise in his owne conceite: but the poore that hath vnderstanding, can trie him. 12 When righteous men reioyce, there is great glory: but when the wicked come vp, the man is tried. 13 He that hideth his sinnes, shall not prosper: but he that confesseth, and forsaketh them, shall haue mercy. 14 Blessed is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into euill. 15 As a roaring lyon, and an hungry beare, so is a wicked ruler ouer the poore people. 16 A prince destitute of vnderstanding, is also a great oppressour: but hee that hateth couetousnes, shall prolong his dayes. 17 A man that doeth violence against the blood of a person, shall flee vnto the graue, and they shall not stay him. 18 He that walketh vprightly, shalbe saued: but he that is froward in his wayes, shall once fall. 19 He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth the idle, shall be filled with pouertie. 20 A faythfull man shall abound in blessings, and he that maketh haste to be riche, shall not be innocent. 21 To haue respect of persons is not good: for that man will transgresse for a piece of bread. 22 A man with a wicked eye hasteth to riches, and knoweth not, that pouertie shall come vpon him. 23 He that rebuketh a man, shall finde more fauour at length, then he that flattereth with his tongue. 24 Hee that robbeth his father and mother, and sayth, It is no transgression, is the companion of a man that destroyeth. 25 He that is of a proude heart, stirreth vp strife: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be fatte. 26 Hee that trusteth in his owne heart, is a foole: but he that walketh in wisdome, shall be deliuered. 27 He that giueth vnto the poore, shall not lacke: but he that hideth his eyes, shall haue many curses. 28 When the wicked rise vp, men hide them selues: but when they perish, ye righteous increase.
The Law of God Makes Sense
1 Wicked people run away
when no one chases them,
but those who live right
are as brave as lions.
2 In time of civil war
there are many leaders,
but a sensible leader
restores law and order.
3 When someone poor takes over
and mistreats the poor,
it's like a heavy rain
destroying the crops.
4 Lawbreakers praise criminals,
but law-abiding citizens
always oppose them.
5 Criminals don't know
what justice means,
but all who respect the Lord
understand it completely.
6 It's better to be poor
and live right,
than to be rich
and dishonest.
7 It makes good sense
to obey the Law of God,
but you disgrace your parents
if you make friends
with worthless nobodies.
8 If you make money by charging
high interest rates,
you will lose it all to someone
who cares for the poor.
9 God cannot stand the prayers
of anyone who disobeys
his Law.
10 By leading good people to sin,
you dig a pit for yourself,
but all who live right
will have a bright future.
11 The rich think highly
of themselves,
but anyone poor and sensible
sees right through them.
12 When an honest person wins,
it's time to celebrate;
when crooks are in control,
it's best to hide.
13 If you don't confess your sins,
you will be a failure.
But God will be merciful
if you confess your sins
and give them up.
14 The Lord blesses everyone
who is afraid to do evil,
but if you are cruel,
you will end up in trouble.
15 A ruler who mistreats the poor
is like a roaring lion
or a bear hunting for food.
16 A heartless leader is a fool,
but anyone who refuses
to get rich by cheating others
will live a long time.
17 Don't give help to murderers!
Make them stay on the run
for as long as they live.
18 Honesty will keep you safe,
but everyone who is crooked
will suddenly fall.
19 Work hard, and you will have
a lot of food;
waste time, and you will have
a lot of trouble.
20 God blesses his loyal people,
but punishes all who want
to get rich quick.
21 It isn't right to be unfair,
but some people can be bribed
with only a piece of bread.
22 Don't be selfish
and eager to get rich—
you will end up worse off
than you can imagine.
23 Honest correction
is appreciated
more than flattery.
24 If you cheat your parents
and don't think it's wrong,
you are a common thief.
25 Selfish people cause trouble,
but you will live a full life
if you trust the Lord.
26 Only fools would trust
what they alone think,
but if you live by wisdom,
you will do all right.
27 Giving to the poor
will keep you from poverty,
but if you close your eyes
to their needs,
everyone will curse you.
28 When crooks are in control,
everyone tries to hide,
but when they lose power,
good people are everywhere.