Modern Translations
New International Version By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
New Living Translation A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.
English Standard Version By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
Berean Study Bible By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
New American Standard Bible The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a person who takes bribes ruins it.
NASB 1995 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
NASB 1977 The king gives stability to the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
Amplified Bible The king establishes (stabilizes) the land by justice, But a man who takes bribes overthrows it.
Christian Standard Bible By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a person who demands “contributions” demolishes it.
Holman Christian Standard Bible By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a man who demands "contributions" demolishes it.
Contemporary English Version An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin.
Good News Translation When the king is concerned with justice, the nation will be strong, but when he is only concerned with money, he will ruin his country.
GOD'S WORD® Translation By means of justice, a king builds up a country, but a person who confiscates religious contributions tears it down.
International Standard Version A king brings stability to a land through justice, but a man who takes bribes brings it to ruin.
NET Bible A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts tribute tears it down.