1 T he sinful run away when no one is trying to catch them, but those who are right with God have as much strength of heart as a lion.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 W hen a nation sins, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and much learning, it will last a long time.

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man who makes it hard for the poor is like a heavy rain which leaves no food.

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 T hose who turn away from the law praise the sinful, but those who keep the law fight against them.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 S inful men do not understand what is right and fair, but those who look to the Lord understand all things.

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

6 A poor man who walks in his honor is better than a rich man who is sinful in his ways.

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 H e who keeps the law is a wise son, but a friend of men who eat too much puts his father to shame.

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8 H e who gets money by being paid much for the use of it, gathers it for him who will be kind to the poor.

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 H e who turns his ear away from listening to the law, even his prayer is a hated thing.

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 H e who leads good people into a sinful way will fall into his own deep hole, but good will come to those without blame.

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

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

The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 W hen those who are right with God win, there is great honor, but when the sinful rule, men hide themselves.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 I t will not go well for the man who hides his sins, but he who tells his sins and turns from them will be given loving-pity.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 H appy is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who makes his heart hard will fall into trouble.

Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 A sinful ruler over poor people is like a lion making noise or a bear running to fight.

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 A ruler who takes much from the people who have little does not have understanding. But he who hates wanting something that belongs to someone else will live a long time.

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man who is loaded down with the guilt of human blood will run in fear until death. Let no one help him.

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 H e who walks without blame will be kept safe, but he who is sinful will fall all at once.

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 H e who works his land will have more than enough food, but he who wastes his time will become very poor.

He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man will have many good things, but he who hurries to be rich will be punished for it.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 T o show favor is not good, because a man will sin for a piece of bread.

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 A man with a sinful eye hurries to be rich. He does not know that he will be in need.

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 H e who speaks strong words to a man will later find more favor than he who gives false respect with his tongue.

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 H e who robs his father or his mother, and says, “It is not a sin,” is the friend of a man who destroys.

Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 A proud man starts fights, but all will go well for the man who trusts in the Lord.

He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.

26 H e who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be kept safe.

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 H e who gives to the poor will never want, but many bad things will happen to the man who shuts his eyes to the poor.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 W hen the sinful rule, men hide themselves, but when they pass away, those who do what is right become many.

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.