1 | The impious flees, though no one pursues. But the just, like a confident lion, shall be without dread. |
2 | Because of the sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolonged. |
3 | A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine. |
4 | Those who abandon the law praise the impious. Those who guard it are inflamed against him. |
5 | Evil men do not intend judgment. But those who inquire after the Lord turn their souls toward all things. |
6 | Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity. |
7 | Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But whoever feeds gluttons brings shame to his father. |
8 | Whoever piles up riches by usury and profit gathers them for him who will give freely to the poor. |
9 | Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable. |
10 | Whoever deceives the just in a malicious way will fall into his own perdition. And the simple shall possess his goods. |
11 | The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him. |
12 | In the exultation of the just, there is great glory. When the impious reign, men are brought to ruin. |
13 | Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy. |
14 | Blessed is the man who is ever fearful. Yet truly, whoever is hardened in mind will fall into evil. |
15 | An impious leader over a poor people is like a roaring lion and a hungry bear. |
16 | A leader destitute of prudence will oppress many through false accusations. But whoever hates avarice shall prolong his days. |
17 | A man who slanders the blood of a life, even if he flees to the pit, no one will tolerate him. |
18 | Whoever walks simply shall be saved. Whoever is perverse in his steps will fall all at once. |
19 | Whoever works his land shall be satisfied with bread. But whoever pursues leisure will be filled with need. |
20 | A faithful man shall be greatly praised. But whoever rushes to become rich will not be innocent. |
21 | Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth. |
22 | A man who hurries to become rich, and who envies others, does not know that destitution will overwhelm him. |
23 | Whoever corrects a man, afterward he shall find favor with him, more so than he who deceives him with a flattering tongue. |
24 | Whoever takes away anything from his father or mother, and who says, "This is not a sin," is the associate of a murderer. |
25 | Whoever boasts and enlarges himself stirs up conflicts. Yet truly, whoever trusts in the Lord will be healed. |
26 | Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever treads wisely, the same shall be saved. |
27 | Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity. |
28 | When the impious rise up, men will hide themselves. When they perish, the just shall be multiplied. |