Add parallel Print Page Options

Fools will no longer be called noble-minded,
    nor will criminals be respected.
For fools utter nonsense, and their minds are preoccupied with evil;
    they regularly misrepresent the Eternal in what they say and do,
Leaving true seekers frustrated and confused,
    the hungry with empty stomachs and the thirsty with parched mouths.
As for the criminals—their schemes are vile and evil;
    they are constantly looking for ways to hurt the innocent,
To ruin the poor with their lies, and to twist a justified complaint.

Read full chapter

No longer will the fool(A) be called noble
    nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
For fools speak folly,(B)
    their hearts are bent on evil:(C)
They practice ungodliness(D)
    and spread error(E) concerning the Lord;
the hungry they leave empty(F)
    and from the thirsty they withhold water.
Scoundrels use wicked methods,(G)
    they make up evil schemes(H)
to destroy the poor with lies,
    even when the plea of the needy(I) is just.(J)

Read full chapter

The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful.

For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.

Read full chapter