1 The wicked flee when no one pursues them,
But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2
When a land does wrong, it has many princes,
But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.
3
A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly
Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
4
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.
5
Evil men do not understand justice,
But they who long for and seek the Lord understand it fully.
6
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich.
7
He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son,
But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself].
8
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest)
Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
9
He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man],
Even his prayer is repulsive [to God].
10
He who leads the upright astray on an evil path
Will himself fall into his own pit,
But the blameless will inherit good.
11
The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him.
12
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration;
But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves.
13
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.
14
Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times,
But he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster.
15
Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16
A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days],
But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.
17
A man who is burdened with the guilt of human blood (murder)
Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him or give him refuge.
18
He who walks blamelessly and uprightly will be kept safe,
But he who is crooked (perverse) will suddenly fall.
19
He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20
A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings,
But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
21
To have regard for one person over another and to show favoritism is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22
He who has an evil and envious eye hurries to be rich
And does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23
He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24
He who robs his father or his mother
And says, “This is no sin,”
Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys.
25
An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper.
26
He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool,
But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.
27
He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.
28
When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves;
But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become great.
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves. 3 For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. 4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God]. 6 For this same reason you pay taxes, for civil authorities are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance. 7 Pay to all what is due: tax to whom tax is due, customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman]. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.
11 Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. 12 The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.