Add parallel Print Page Options

A bribe works wonders[a] in the eyes of its giver;
    wherever he turns he prospers.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:8 Lit. A gift is a stone of favor

23 The wicked man takes a bribe in secret
    in order to pervert the course of justice.

Read full chapter

21 An inheritance quickly obtained at the beginning
    will not be blessed at the end.

Read full chapter

To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Read full chapter

A fortune gained by deceit[a]
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[b]

Devastation caused by the wicked will drag them away
    because they refuse to do what is just.

The conduct[c] of a guilty man is perverse,
    but the behavior of the pure is upright.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:6 Lit. by a lying tongue
  2. Proverbs 21:6 So MT; LXX reads is pursuing worthlessness into deadly snares
  3. Proverbs 21:8 Lit. way

22 Don’t rob the poor person because he is poor,
    and don’t crush the helpless in court,[a]
23 for the Lord will plead their case
    and ruin the lives of those who ruin them.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:22 Lit. gate

Sayings of the Wise

23 Here are some more proverbs from wise people:

It isn’t good to show partiality in judgment.
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You’re in the right,”
        will be cursed by people and hated by nations.
25 But as for people who rebuke the wicked;[a]
    a good blessing will fall upon them.

26 A kiss on the lips—
    that’s what someone who gives an honest answer deserves.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:25 The Heb. lacks the wicked
  2. Proverbs 24:26 The Heb. lacks deserves

A poor man who oppresses the weak
    is like a rainstorm that destroys all[a] the crops.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:3 Lit. that leaves no

It’s better to be poor and live a blameless life
    than to be rich but crooked in one’s lifestyle.

Read full chapter

Whoever gains wealth by charging exorbitant[a] interest
    collects it for someone who is kind to the poor.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:8 Lit. charging interest upon

Speak for those who cannot speak;
    seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.[a]
Speak up, judge righteously,
    and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:8 Lit. all sons of destruction