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
New Living Translation
8 A bribe is like a lucky charm;
whoever gives one will prosper!
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
New Living Translation
23 The wicked take secret bribes
to pervert the course 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
New Living Translation
21 An inheritance obtained too early in life
is not a blessing in the end.
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
New Living Translation
3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just
than when we offer him sacrifices.
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
New Living Translation
6 Wealth created by a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked sweeps them away,
because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The guilty walk a crooked path;
the innocent travel a straight road.
Footnotes
- 21:6 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads mist for those who seek death.
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
New Living Translation
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.
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
New Living Translation
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.
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
New Living Translation
3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
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
New Living Translation
6 Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and rich.
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
New Living Translation
8 Income from charging high interest rates
will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind 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
New Living Translation
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.
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.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.