1 T he wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 B y the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4 T hose who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.

5 E vil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all things.

6 B etter is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

7 H e who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8 H e who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

9 H e who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 H e who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.

11 T he rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him.

12 W hen the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 H e who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

14 H ow blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15 L ike a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.

18 H e who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is crooked will fall all at once.

19 H e who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 T o show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him.

23 H e who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 H e who robs his father or his mother And says, “It is not a transgression,” Is the companion of a man who destroys.

25 A n arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

26 H e who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

27 H e who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

28 W hen the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.