Through the Bible – Day 260

₁Wicked people run away

when no one chases them,

but those who live right

are as brave as lions.

₂In time of civil war

there are many leaders,

but a sensible leader

restores law and order.

₃When someone poor takes over

and ill-treats the poor,

it's like a heavy rain

destroying the crops.

₄Lawbreakers praise criminals,

but law-abiding citizens

always oppose them.

₅Criminals don't know

what justice means,

but all who respect the LORD

understand it completely.

₆It's better to be poor

and live right,

than to be rich

and dishonest.

₇It makes good sense

to obey the Law of God,

but you disgrace your parents

if you make friends

with worthless nobodies.

₈If you make money by charging

high interest rates,

you will lose it all to someone

who cares for the poor.

₉God cannot stand the prayers

of anyone who disobeys

his Law.

₁₀By leading good people to sin,

you dig a pit for yourself,

but all who live right

will have a bright future.

₁₁The rich think highly

of themselves,

but anyone poor and sensible

sees right through them.

₁₂When an honest person wins,

it's time to celebrate;

when crooks are in control,

it's best to hide.

₁₃If you don't confess your sins,

you will be a failure.

But God will be merciful

if you confess your sins

and give them up.

₁₄The LORD blesses everyone

who is afraid to do evil,

but if you are cruel,

you will end up in trouble.

₁₅A ruler who ill-treats the poor

is like a roaring lion

or a bear hunting for food.

₁₆A heartless leader is a fool,

but anyone who refuses

to get rich by cheating others

will live a long time.

₁₇Don't give help to murderers!

Make them stay on the run

for as long as they live.

₁₈Honesty will keep you safe,

but everyone who is crooked

will suddenly fall.

₁₉Work hard, and you will have

a lot of food;

waste time, and you will have

a lot of trouble.

₂₀God blesses his loyal people,

but punishes all who want

to get rich quick.

₂₁It isn't right to be unfair,

but some people can be bribed

with only a piece of bread.

₂₂Don't be selfish

and eager to get rich—

you will end up worse off

than you can imagine.

₂₃Honest correction

is appreciated

more than flattery.

₂₄If you cheat your parents

and don't think it's wrong,

you are a common thief.

₂₅Selfish people cause trouble,

but you will live a full life

if you trust the LORD.

₂₆Only fools would trust

what they alone think,

but if you live by wisdom,

you will do all right.

₂₇Giving to the poor

will keep you from poverty,

but if you close your eyes

to their needs,

everyone will curse you.

₂₈When crooks are in control,

everyone tries to hide,

but when they lose power,

good people are everywhere.