[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 Torah praise the wicked; but those who keep the Torah contend with them.
[5] Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD 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 Torah 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 Torah, 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,” is a partner with a destroyer.
[25] One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD 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.