[1] The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
[2] Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.
[3] A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
[4] Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.
[5] Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all.
[6] Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
[7] Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
[8] One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
[9] One 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 himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.
[11] The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
[12] When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
[13] He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
[14] Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
[15] Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
[16] A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
[17] A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.
[18] Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
[19] He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
[20] A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
[21] To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
[22] A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
[23] He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.
[24] Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, “It is no transgression,” The same is companion to a destroyer.
[25] He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
[26] He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
[27] He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
[28] When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.