1
Wicked people run away
when no one chases them,
but those who live right
are as brave as lions.
THE COURAGE OF DECENT PEOPLE IS NOT WELL RECOGNISED
2
In time of civil war
there are many leaders,
but a sensible leader
establishes order.
CHAOS IS BAD FOR EVERYONE
3
When someone poor
mistreats the poor,
it’s like a heavy rain
destroying the crops.
IT’S BETTER WHEN THE RICH DO IT?
4
Lawbreakers praise criminals,
but law-abiding citizens
always oppose them.
NOBODY WHO KNOWS CRIMINALS PRAISES THEM
5
Criminals don’t know
what justice means,
but all who respect the Lord
understand it well.
FAITH AND JUSTICE BELONG TOGETHER
6
It’s better to be poor
and live honestly,
than to be rich
and dishonest.
EASY TO SAY, HARD TO LIVE BY
7
It makes good sense
to obey the Law of God,
but you disgrace your parents
if you make friends
with worthless wasters.
SOME OF THE WORTHLESS WASTERS DISLIKED BY MY PARENTS BECAME PILLARS OF SOCIETY
8
If you make money by charging
high interest rates,
you will lose it all to someone
who cares for the poor.
I HOPE SO
9
God cannot stand the prayers
of anyone who disobeys
his Law.
UNLESS THEY ARE CONFESSIONS?
10
By leading good people to sin,
you dig a pit for yourself,
but all who live honestly
will have a bright future.
YES
11
The rich think highly
of themselves,
but anyone poor and sensible
sees right through them.
YES
12
When an honest person wins,
it’s time to celebrate;
when crooks are in control,
The people hide.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE RUSSIANS CELEBRATING PUTIN’S VICTORY?
13
If you don’t confess your sins,
you will not prosper.
But God will be merciful
if you confess your sins
and give them up.
IT’S THAT LAST LINE THAT’S THE KILLER…
14
The Lord blesses everyone
who is afraid to do evil,
but if you are cruel,
look out for trouble.
YES
15
A ruler who mistreats the poor
is like a roaring lion
or a bear hunting for food.
A HUNGRY ANIMAL CAN BE SATISFIED, BUT AN UNJUST RULER?
16
A heartless leader is a fool,
but anyone who refuses
to get rich by cheating others
will live a long time.
I HOPE SO
17
Those who shed blood
are running to the tomb;
Don’t detain them.
MY TRANSLATION
18
Honesty will keep you safe,
but crooks will fall in a pit.
19
Work hard, and you will have
a lot of food;
waste time, and you will have
a lot of nothing.
LAZINESS IS ONE OF THE MAIN FAULTS FOR PROVERBS
20
God blesses his loyal people,
but punishes all who want
to get rich quick.
I HOPE SO
21
It isn’t right to take advantage,
but some people can be bribed
with only a piece of bread.
IN SOLZHENITSYN’S STORIES OF THE GULAG THIS IS LITERALLY TRUE
22
Don’t be selfish
and eager to get rich—
you will end up worse off
than you can imagine.
MAYBE
23
Honest correction
is appreciated
more than flattery.
I LIKE A BIT OF FLATTERY MYSELF
24
If you cheat your parents
and don’t think it’s wrong,
you are a common thief.
YES
25
Selfish people cause trouble,
but you will live a full life
if you trust the Lord.
YES, BUT NOT AN UNTROUBLED ONE
26
Only fools would trust
what they alone think,
but if you live by wisdom,
you will do all right.
YES, YES
27
Giving to the poor
will keep you from poverty,
but if you close your eyes
to their needs,
you’ll have plenty of curses.
THE CURSES OF DISREGARDED BEGGARS ARE PARTICULARLY BITTER
28
When crooks are in control,
everyone tries to hide,
but when they lose power,
good people are everywhere.
BUT WE NEED THE GOOD PEOPLE MOST WHEN CROOKS ARE IN CONTROL
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