Proverbs 17:8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it;
wherever they turn they prosper.(A)
Proverbs 17:8
Common English Bible
8 A bribe seems magical in the eyes of those who give it,
granting success to all who use it.
Proverbs 17:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 The wicked accept a concealed bribe
to pervert the ways of justice.(A)
Proverbs 17:23
Common English Bible
23 The wicked take secret bribes
to twist the way of justice.
Proverbs 20:21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
21 An estate quickly acquired in the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.(A)
Proverbs 20:21
Common English Bible
21 Inheritance gained quickly at first
won’t bless later on.
Proverbs 21:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 To do righteousness and justice
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(A)
Proverbs 21:3
Common English Bible
3 Acting with righteousness and justice
is more valued by the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:6-8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a snare[a] of death.(A)
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away
because they refuse to do what is just.(B)
8 The way of the guilty is crooked,
but the conduct of the pure is right.
Footnotes
- 21.6 Gk: Heb seekers
Proverbs 21:6-8
Common English Bible
6 Those who gain treasure with lies
are like a drifting fog, leading to death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
for they refuse to act with justice.
8 The ways of some people are twisted and strange,
but the behavior of those who do right is pure.
Proverbs 22:22-23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor
or crush the afflicted at the gate,(A)
23 for the Lord pleads their cause
and despoils of life those who despoil them.(B)
Proverbs 22:22-23
Common English Bible
22 Don’t steal from the poor, because they are poor.
Don’t oppress the needy in the gate.
23 The Lord will take up their case
and press the life out of those who oppress them.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 22:23 Heb uncertain
Proverbs 24:23-26
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
Partiality in judging is not good.(A)
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,(B)
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.(C)
26 One who gives an honest answer
gives a kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 24:23-26
Common English Bible
More sayings of the wise
23 These are also the sayings of the wise:
Partiality in judgment isn’t good.
24 Those who say to the guilty, “You are innocent”—
the people will curse them.
Nations will condemn them.
25 But it will go well for those who rebuke them.
A rich blessing will come to them.
26 Those who speak honestly
are like those who kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 28:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.(A)
Proverbs 28:3
Common English Bible
3 Poor people who oppress the needy
are rain that washes away food.
Proverbs 28:6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 Better to be poor and walk in integrity
than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich.(A)
Proverbs 28:6
Common English Bible
6 Better to be poor and walk in innocence
than to be on crooked paths and wealthy.
Proverbs 28:8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
8 One who augments wealth by exorbitant interest
gathers it for another who is kind to the poor.(A)
Proverbs 28:8
Common English Bible
8 Those who become rich through high interest rates
gather money for those who are generous to the poor.
Proverbs 31:8-9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
8 Speak out for those who cannot speak,
for the rights of all the destitute.[a](A)
9 Speak out; judge righteously;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.(B)
Footnotes
- 31.8 Heb all children of passing away
Proverbs 31:8-9
Common English Bible
8 Speak out on behalf of the voiceless,
and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.[a]
9 Speak out in order to judge with righteousness
and to defend the needy and the poor.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:8 Or all children who are passing away
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible