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 one is pursuing, 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.

By 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 makes it hard for the poor is like a heavy rain which leaves no food.

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

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

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive 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 do not understand justice, But those who 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 who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked 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.

He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates 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 who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

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

He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an 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.

He 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 man who has understanding sees through him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a 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.

A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But he who hates unjust gain will 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 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 without blame will be kept safe, but he who is sinful will fall all at once.

He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, But he who is crooked will fall all 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 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 have many good things, but he who hurries to be rich will be punished for it.

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

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

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

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

A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will 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 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 sin,” is the friend of a man who destroys.

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

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

An 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 in wisdom will be kept safe.

He 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 many bad things will happen to the man who shuts his eyes to the poor.

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

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.