1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them,a

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.b

2When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,c

but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

3A destitute leaderd who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.e

4Those who reject the law praise the wicked,f

but those who keep the law battle against them.g

5Evil men do not understand justice,h

but those who seek the LORD understand everything.i

6Better a poor man who lives with integrityj

than a rich man who distorts right and wrong.k, l

7A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.m

8Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interestn

collects it for one who is kind to the poor.o

9Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law —

even his prayer is detestable.p

10The one who leads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit,q

but the blameless will inherit what is good.r

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

12When the righteous triumph,

there is great rejoicing,s

but when the wicked come to power,

people hide themselves.t

13The one who conceals his sins

will not prosper,u

but whoever confesses and renounces them

will find mercy.v

14Happy is the one who is always reverent,w

but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.x

15A wicked ruler over a helpless peopley

is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.z

16A leader who lacks understanding

is very oppressive,

but one who hates dishonest profit

prolongs his life.aa

17A man burdened by bloodguiltab

will be a fugitive until death.ac

Let no one help him.ad

18The one who lives with integrity will be helped,

but one who distorts right and wrongae

will suddenly fall.af

19The one who works his land

will have plenty of food,ag

but whoever chases fantasies

will have his fill of poverty.ah

20A faithful man will have many blessings,ai

but one in a hurry to get richaj

will not go unpunished.

21It is not good to show partialityak —

yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.al

22A greedy manam is in a hurry for wealth;

he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him.an

23One who rebukes a person will later find more favorao

than one who flattersap with his tongue.aq

24The one who robs his father or motherar

and says, “That’s no sin,”as

is a companion to a man who destroys.at

25A greedy person provokes conflict,au

but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.av

26The one who trusts in himselfaw is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.ax

27The one who gives to the poor

will not be in need,

but one who turns his eyes awayay

will receive many curses.az

28When the wicked come to power,

people hide,

but when they are destroyed,

the righteous flourish.ba