(A)A bribe is like a magic[a] stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns he prospers.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:8 Or precious

A bribe is like a lucky charm;
    whoever gives one will prosper!

Read full chapter

23 The wicked accepts (A)a bribe in secret[a]
    to (B)pervert the ways of justice.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:23 Hebrew a bribe from the bosom

23 The wicked take secret bribes
    to pervert the course of justice.

Read full chapter

21 (A)An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.

Read full chapter

21 An inheritance obtained too early in life
    is not a blessing in the end.

Read full chapter

(A)To do righteousness and justice
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Read full chapter

The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
    than when we offer him sacrifices.

Read full chapter

(A)The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
    is a (B)fleeting (C)vapor and a (D)snare of death.[a]
The violence of the wicked will (E)sweep them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.
The way of the guilty (F)is crooked,
    but the conduct of the pure is upright.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Latin; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death

Wealth created by a lying tongue
    is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]

The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.

The guilty walk a crooked path;
    the innocent travel a straight road.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 21:6 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads mist for those who seek death.

22 (A)Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
    or (B)crush the afflicted at (C)the gate,
23 for (D)the Lord will plead their cause
    and rob of life those who rob them.

Read full chapter

22 Don’t rob the poor just because you can,
    or exploit the needy in court.
23 For the Lord is their defender.
    He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

Read full chapter

More Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of (A)the wise.

(B)Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever (C)says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
    (D)will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

Read full chapter

More Sayings of the Wise

23 Here are some further sayings of the wise:

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
24 A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
    will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty;
    rich blessings will be showered on them.

26 An honest answer
    is like a kiss of friendship.

Read full chapter

(A)A poor man who oppresses the poor
    is a beating rain that leaves no food.

Read full chapter

A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

Read full chapter

(A)Better is a poor man who (B)walks in his integrity
    than a rich man who is (C)crooked in his ways.

Read full chapter

Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and rich.

Read full chapter

Whoever multiplies his wealth (A)by interest and profit[a]
    (B)gathers it for him who is (C)generous to the poor.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor

Income from charging high interest rates
    will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

Read full chapter

(A)Open your mouth for the mute,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.[a]
Open your mouth, (B)judge righteously,
    (C)defend the rights of (D)the poor and needy.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.

Read full chapter