1
Waovu hukimbia wasipofuatiwa na mtu; Bali wenye haki ni wajasiri kama simba.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2
Kwa sababu ya maasi ya nchi wakuu wake huwa wengi; Bali kwa wenye ufahamu na maarifa hali ya nchi hudumishwa
A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3
Mtu mhitaji awaoneaye maskini, Ni kama mvua ya dhoruba isiyosaza chakula.
A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4
Wao waiachao sheria huwasifu waovu; Bali wao waishikao hushindana nao.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5
Watu wabaya hawaelewi na hukumu; Bali wamtafutao Bwana huelewa na yote.
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6
Afadhali maskini aendaye katika unyofu wake, Kuliko mpotofu wa njia angawa ni tajiri.
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7
Yeye aishikaye sheria ni mwana mwenye hekima; Bali aliye rafiki wa walafi humwaibisha babaye.
A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8
Yeye azidishaye mali yake kwa riba na faida, Humkusanyia mtu awahurumiaye maskini.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9
Yeye aligeuzaye sikio lake asiisikie sheria, Hata sala yake ni chukizo.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10
Kila mtu awapotezaye wenye haki katika njia mbaya, Ataanguka katika rima lake mwenyewe; Bali wakamilifu watarithi mema.
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
11
Mtu tajiri ana hekima machoni pake mwenyewe; Bali maskini mwenye ufahamu humchunguza sana.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12
Wenye haki washindapo, uko utukufu mwingi; Bali waovu waondokapo, watu hujificha.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13
Afichaye dhambi zake hatafanikiwa; Bali yeye aziungamaye na kuziacha atapata rehema.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14
Mwanadamu mwenye kicho yu heri sikuzote; Bali mshupavu wa moyo ataangukia madhara.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15
Kama simba angurumaye, na dubu mwenye njaa; Ndivyo alivyo mtu mbaya awatawalaye maskini.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16
Mkuu aliyepungukiwa na akili huwaonea watu sana; Bali achukiaye kutamani ataongeza siku zake.
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
17
Aliyelemewa na damu ya mtu Atalikimbilia shimo; wala mtu asimzuie.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
18
Aendaye kwa unyofu ataokolewa; Bali mkaidi wa njia zake ataanguka mara.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19
Alimaye shamba lake atakuwa na chakula tele; Bali afuataye mambo ya upuzi atapata umaskini wa kumtosha.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20
Mtu mwaminifu atakuwa na baraka tele; Lakini afanyaye haraka kuwa tajiri hakosi ataadhibiwa.
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21
Kupendelea watu si kwema; Wala mtu kuasi kwa ajili ya kipande cha mkate.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22
Mwenye husuda afanya haraka kuwa tajiri; Wala haufikiri uhitaji utakaomjilia.
A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
23
Amkemeaye mwenzake hatimaye atapata kibali; Zaidi ya mtu ajipendekezaye kwa ulimi wake.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
24
Aibaye mali ya babaye au mamaye, na kusema, Si kosa; Mwana huyo ni rafiki wa mtu mharibifu.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
25
Mwenye nafsi ya kutamani huchochea fitina; Bali amtumainiye Bwana atawandishwa.
A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26
Mwenye kujitumainia moyo wake ni mjinga; Bali yeye aendaye kwa busara ataokolewa.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
27
Mwenye kuwagawia maskini hatahitaji kitu; Bali afichaye macho yake atakuwa na laana nyingi.
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
28
Wasio haki wainukapo, wanadamu hujificha; Bali waangamiapo, wenye haki huongezeka.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.