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

2 B ecause of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.

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

4 T hose who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.

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

6 B etter is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 W hoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 O ne who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

9 O ne who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 W hoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will 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 searches him out.

12 W hen the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13 H e who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14 H appy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

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

16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.

18 W hoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19 H e who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens 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 riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.

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

24 W hoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “ It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer.

25 H e who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.

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

27 H e who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

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