1The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2Because of the transgression of a land, many are its rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge the state shall be prolonged.

3A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend against them.

5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things.

6Better is the poor who walks in his uprightness than he who is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.

7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but a companion of riotous men shames his father.

8He who increases his wealth by interest and unjust gain, he shall gather it for him who will pity the poor.

9He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.

10Whoever causes the righteous man to go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit, but the upright shall inherit good.

11The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but the poor man who has understanding will find him out.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13He who covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

14Blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.

15Like a roaring lion and a ranging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the helpless people.

16A ruler lacking understanding is also a great oppressor; he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

17A man who is laden with human blood, let him be a fugitive until the grave; do not let anyone help him.

18Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who pursues fantasies shall have poverty enough.

20A faithful man shall overflow with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

21To have respect of persons is not good; yea, for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23He who rebukes a man shall afterwards find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.

24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "It is no sin," he shall be a companion to a destroyer.

25He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the LORD shall be enriched.

26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

27He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse.

28When the wicked arise, a man hides himself; but when they perish, the righteous increase.