1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a young lion.

2 When a land rebels, its rulers are many, but with a person of understanding and knowledge, stability endures.

3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly is like a sweeping rain that leaves no bread.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything.

6 Better a poor man who walks in integrity than one who is crooked in his ways, though he is rich.

7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons brings shame to his father.

8 Whoever increases his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for one who is gracious to the poor.

9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law—even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoever leads the upright astray in an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor person with understanding sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide.

13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will receive mercy.

14 Blessed is the man who always fears, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, but whoever hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17 A man burdened with human blood will flee to the pit;

18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, but whoever is crooked in his ways will fall at once.

19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but whoever pursues empty things will have plenty of poverty.

20 A faithful man will abound in blessings, but whoever hurries to get rich will not go unpunished.

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

22 A stingy man hurries after wealth and does not know that want will come upon him.

23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It is no transgression,” is a companion to a destroyer.

25 A greedy person stirs up strife, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will escape.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will not lack, but whoever closes his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked rise, people hide;