1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
2 | In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. |
3 | A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops. |
4 | Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. |
5 | Evil men don't understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully. |
6 | Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. |
7 | Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. |
8 | He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor. |
9 | He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. |
10 | Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good. |
11 | The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him. |
12 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. |
13 | He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. |
14 | Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. |
15 | As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. |
16 | A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. |
17 | A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him. |
18 | Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. |
19 | One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. |
20 | A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. |
21 | To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. |
22 | A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him. |
23 | One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue. |
24 | Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer. |
25 | One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper. |
26 | One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. |
27 | One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses. |
28 | When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive. |