Proverbs 28:1-4
Proverbs 28:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 The Message (MSG)
The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one’s after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions. When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it— But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out. The wicked who oppress the poor are like a hailstorm that beats down the harvest. If you desert God’s law, you’re free to embrace depravity; if you love God’s law, you fight for it tooth and nail.
Proverbs 28:1-4 King James Version (KJV)
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: But by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. A poor man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: But such as keep the law contend with them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures. A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 New Century Version (NCV)
Evil people run even though no one is chasing them, but good people are as brave as a lion. When a country is lawless, it has one ruler after another; but when it is led by a leader with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong. Rulers who mistreat the poor are like a hard rain that destroys the crops. Those who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked, but those who obey what they have been taught are against them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 American Standard Version (ASV)
The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged. A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.
Proverbs 28:1-4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion. [Lev 26:17, 36; Ps 53:5] When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures. A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. [Matt 18:28] Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them. [Prov 29:18]
Proverbs 28:1-4 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Guilty criminals experience paranoia even though no one threatens them. But the innocent lovers of God, because of righteousness, will have the boldness of a young, ferocious lion! A rebellious nation is thrown into chaos, but leaders anointed with wisdom will restore law and order. When a pauper oppresses the destitute, it’s like a flash flood that sweeps away their last hope. Those who turn their backs on what they know is right will no longer be able to tell right from wrong. But those who love the truth strengthen their souls.
Proverbs 28:1-4 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.