1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, u
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. v
2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, w
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.
3 A destitute leader G who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food. x
4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked, y
but those who keep the law pit themselves against them. z
5 The evil do not understand justice, a
but those who seek the LORD understand everything. b
6 Better the poor person who lives with integrity c
than the rich one who distorts right and wrong. H,d
7 A discerning son keeps the law,
but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. e
8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest f
collects it for one who is kind to the poor. g
9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—
even his prayer is detestable. h
10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit, i
but the blameless will inherit what is good. j
11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph,
there is great rejoicing, I
but when the wicked come to power,
people hide. k
13 The one who conceals his sins
will not prosper, l
but whoever confesses and renounces them
will find mercy. m
14 Happy is the one who is always reverent, n
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. o
15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people p
is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. q
16 A leader who lacks understanding
is very oppressive,
but one who hates dishonest profit
prolongs his life. r
17 Someone burdened by bloodguilt J
will be a fugitive until death. s
Let no one help him. t
18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,
but one who distorts right and wrong K
will suddenly fall. u
will have plenty of food, v
but whoever chases fantasies
will have his fill of poverty. w
20 A faithful person will have many blessings, x
but one in a hurry to get rich y
will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality z—
yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread. a
22 A greedy one L is in a hurry for wealth;
he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him. b
23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor c
than one who flatters M with his tongue. d
24 The one who robs his father or mother e
and says, “That’s no sin,” f
is a companion to a person who destroys. g
25 A greedy person stirs up conflict, h
but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper. i
26 The one who trusts in himself N is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. j
27 The one who gives to the poor
will not be in need,
but one who turns his eyes away O
will receive many curses. k
28 When the wicked come to power,
people hide,
but when they are destroyed,
the righteous flourish. l