1 The wicked flee though no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,

but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

3 A ruler who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,

but those who heed it resist them.

5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,

but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless

than the rich whose ways are perverse.

7 A discerning son heeds instruction,

but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor

amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,

even their prayers are detestable.

10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path

will fall into their own trap,

but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;

one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;

but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,

but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,

but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,

but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder

will seek refuge in the grave;

let no one hold them back.

18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,

but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.

19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,

but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,

but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good—

yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 The stingy are eager to get rich

and are unaware that poverty awaits them.

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor

rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

24 Whoever robs their father or mother

and says, “It’s not wrong,”

is partner to one who destroys.

25 The greedy stir up conflict,

but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,

but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,

but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;

but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth:

But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof:

But by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor

Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked:

But such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not judgment:

But they that seek the Lord understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness,

Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:

But he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance,

He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,

Even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way,

He shall fall himself into his own pit:

But the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit;

But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory:

But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:

But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway:

But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear;

So is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor:

But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person

Shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved:

But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread:

But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings:

But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good:

For for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye,

And considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour

Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother,

And saith, It is no transgression;

The same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife:

But he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool:

But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack:

But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves:

But when they perish, the righteous increase.

1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,

but the godly are as bold as lions.

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.

But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3 A poor person who oppresses the poor

is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;

to obey the law is to fight them.

5 Evil people don’t understand justice,

but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

6 Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and rich.

7 Young people who obey the law are wise;

those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

8 Income from charging high interest rates

will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

9 God detests the prayers

of a person who ignores the law.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path

will fall into their own trap,

but the honest will inherit good things.

11 Rich people may think they are wise,

but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.

When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,

but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,

but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor

as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,

but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.

Don’t protect him!

18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,

but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19 A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,

but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21 Showing partiality is never good,

yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22 Greedy people try to get rich quick

but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism

far more than flattery.

24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother

and says, “What’s wrong with that?”

is no better than a murderer.

25 Greed causes fighting;

trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,

but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,

but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

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.

1 Evil people run even though no one is chasing them,

but good people are as brave as a lion.

2 When a country is lawless, it has one ruler after another;

but when it is led by a leader with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong.

3 Rulers who mistreat the poor

are like a hard rain that destroys the crops.

4 Those who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked,

but those who obey what they have been taught are against them.

5 Evil people do not understand justice,

but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.

6 It is better to be poor and innocent

than to be rich and wicked.

7 Children who obey what they have been taught are wise,

but friends of troublemakers disgrace their parents.

8 Some people get rich by overcharging others,

but their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor.

9 If you refuse to obey what you have been taught,

your prayers will not be heard.

10 Those who lead good people to do wrong

will be ruined by their own evil,

but the innocent will be rewarded with good things.

11 Rich people may think they are wise,

but the poor with understanding will prove them wrong.

12 When good people triumph, there is great happiness,

but when the wicked get control, everybody hides.

13 If you hide your sins, you will not succeed.

If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.

14 Those who are always respectful will be happy,

but those who are stubborn will get into trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people

as a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16 A ruler without wisdom will be cruel,

but the one who refuses to take dishonest money will rule a long time.

17 Don’t help those who are guilty of murder;

let them run until they die.

18 Innocent people will be kept safe,

but those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined.

19 Those who work their land will have plenty of food,

but the ones who chase empty dreams instead will end up poor.

20 A truthful person will have many blessings,

but those eager to get rich will be punished.

21 It is not good for a judge to take sides,

but some will sin for only a piece of bread.

22 Selfish people are in a hurry to get rich

and do not realize they soon will be poor.

23 Those who correct others will later be liked

more than those who give false praise.

24 Whoever robs father or mother

and says, “It’s not wrong,”

is just like someone who destroys things.

25 A greedy person causes trouble,

but the one who trusts the Lord will succeed.

26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish,

but those who live wisely will be kept safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will have everything he needs,

but the one who ignores the poor will receive many curses.

28 When the wicked get control, everybody hides,

but when they die, good people do well.

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth;

But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof;

But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A needy man that oppresseth the poor

Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked;

But such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not justice;

But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,

Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son;

But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase,

Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,

Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way,

He shall fall himself into his own pit;

But the perfect shall inherit good.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit;

But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;

But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper:

But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway;

But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,

So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor;

But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person

Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered;

But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread;

But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings;

But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

21 To have respect of persons is not good;

Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches,

And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor

Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression,

The same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife;

But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool;

But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack;

But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;

But when they perish, the righteous increase.

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of understanding and of knowledge, its stability is prolonged.

3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of profligates bringeth shame to his father.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, shall himself fall into his own pit; but the perfect shall inherit good.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men conceal themselves.

13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.

15 A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man laden with the blood of any person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in his double ways, shall fall in one of them.

19 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.

22 He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be made fat.

26 He that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.

1 A wicked person flees when no one is chasing him, 

but righteous people are as bold as lions. 

2 When a country is in revolt, it has many rulers, 

but only with a person who has understanding and knowledge 

will it last a long time. 

3 A poor person who oppresses poorer people 

is like a driving rain that leaves no food. 

4 Those who abandon ⸤God’s⸥ teachings praise wicked people, 

but those who follow ⸤God’s⸥ teachings oppose wicked people. 

5 Evil people do not understand justice, 

but those who seek the Lord understand everything. 

6 Better to be a poor person who has integrity 

than to be rich and double-dealing. 

7 Whoever follows ⸤God’s⸥ teachings is a wise son. 

Whoever associates with gluttons disgraces his father. 

8 Whoever becomes wealthy through ⸤unfair⸥ loans and interest 

collects them for the one who is kind to the poor. 

9 Surely the prayer of someone who refuses 

to listen to ⸤God’s⸥ teachings is disgusting. 

10 Whoever leads decent people into evil will fall into his own pit, 

but innocent people will inherit good things. 

11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes, 

but a poor person with understanding sees right through him. 

12 When righteous people triumph, there is great glory, 

but when wicked people rise, people hide themselves. 

13 Whoever covers over his sins does not prosper. 

Whoever confesses and abandons them receives compassion. 

14 Blessed is the one who is always fearful ⸤of sin⸥, 

but whoever is hard-hearted falls into disaster. 

15 ⸤Like⸥ a roaring lion and a charging bear, 

⸤so⸥ a wicked ruler is a threat to poor people. 

16 A leader without understanding taxes ⸤his people⸥ heavily, 

but those who hate unjust gain will live longer. 

17 A person burdened with the guilt of murder 

will be a fugitive down to his grave. 

No one will help him. 

18 Whoever lives honestly will be safe. 

Whoever lives dishonestly will fall all at once. 

19 Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat. 

Whoever chases unrealistic dreams will have plenty of nothing. 

20 A trustworthy person has many blessings, 

but anyone in a hurry to get rich will not escape punishment. 

21 Showing partiality is not good, 

because some people will turn on you even for a piece of bread. 

22 A stingy person is in a hurry to get rich, 

not realizing that poverty is about to overtake him. 

23 Whoever criticizes people will be more highly regarded in the future 

than the one who flatters with his tongue. 

24 The one who robs his father or his mother 

and says, “It isn’t wrong!” is a companion to a vandal. 

25 A greedy person stirs up a fight, 

but whoever trusts the Lord prospers. 

26 Whoever trusts his own heart is a fool. 

Whoever walks in wisdom will survive. 

27 Whoever gives to the poor lacks nothing. 

Whoever ignores the poor receives many curses. 

28 When wicked people rise, people hide. 

When they die, righteous people increase. 

1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,

but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

3 A destitute leader who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law battle against them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek the Lord understand everything.

6 Better a poor man who lives with integrity

than a rich man who distorts right and wrong.

7 A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest

collects it for one who is kind to the poor.

9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—

even his prayer is detestable.

10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph,

there is great rejoicing,

but when the wicked come to power,

people hide themselves.

13 The one who conceals his sins

will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them

will find mercy.

14 Happy is the one who is always reverent,

but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people

is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16 A leader who lacks understanding

is very oppressive,

but one who hates dishonest profit

prolongs his life.

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt

will be a fugitive until death.

Let no one help him.

18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,

but one who distorts right and wrong

will suddenly fall.

19 The one who works his land

will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies

will have his fill of poverty.

20 A faithful man will have many blessings,

but one in a hurry to get rich

will not go unpunished.

21 It is not good to show partiality —

yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.

22 A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth;

he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him.

23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor

than one who flatters with his tongue.

24 The one who robs his father or mother

and says, “That’s no sin,”

is a companion to a man who destroys.

25 A greedy person provokes conflict,

but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.

26 The one who trusts in himself is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27 The one who gives to the poor

will not be in need,

but one who turns his eyes away

will receive many curses.

28 When the wicked come to power,

people hide,

but when they are destroyed,

the righteous flourish.

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 When a land rebels

it has many rulers;

but with an intelligent ruler

there is lasting order.

3 A ruler who oppresses the poor

is a beating rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law struggle against them.

5 The evil do not understand justice,

but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.

6 Better to be poor and walk in integrity

than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich.

7 Those who keep the law are wise children,

but companions of gluttons shame their parents.

8 One who augments wealth by exorbitant interest

gathers it for another who is kind to the poor.

9 When one will not listen to the law,

even one’s prayers are an abomination.

10 Those who mislead the upright into evil ways

will fall into pits of their own making,

but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

11 The rich is wise in self-esteem,

but an intelligent poor person sees through the pose.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked prevail, people go into hiding.

13 No one who conceals transgressions will prosper,

but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

14 Happy is the one who is never without fear,

but one who is hard-hearted will fall into calamity.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor;

but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.

17 If someone is burdened with the blood of another,

let that killer be a fugitive until death;

let no one offer assistance.

18 One who walks in integrity will be safe,

but whoever follows crooked ways will fall into the Pit.

19 Anyone who tills the land will have plenty of bread,

but one who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

20 The faithful will abound with blessings,

but one who is in a hurry to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good—

yet for a piece of bread a person may do wrong.

22 The miser is in a hurry to get rich

and does not know that loss is sure to come.

23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor

than one who flatters with the tongue.

24 Anyone who robs father or mother

and says, “That is no crime,”

is partner to a thug.

25 The greedy person stirs up strife,

but whoever trusts in the Lord will be enriched.

26 Those who trust in their own wits are fools;

but those who walk in wisdom come through safely.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,

but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse.

28 When the wicked prevail, people go into hiding;

but when they perish, the righteous increase.

1 The wicked flee, but no one pursues,

but the righteous is bold like a lion.

2 By the rebellion of a land, her rulers increase,

but by a person of intelligence who knows justice, it will last.

3 A man who is poor and oppresses the impoverished

is a beating rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake instruction will praise the wicked,

but they who guard instruction will struggle against them.

5 Men of evil do not understand justice,

but seekers of Yahweh understand completely.

6 Better to be poor and walking in one’s integrity

than to be crooked of ways when one is rich.

7 He who keeps instruction is a child of understanding,

but the companion of gluttons will shame his father.

8 He who augments his wealth with interest and with usury

gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.

9 He who turns his ear from listening to instruction,

even his prayer is an abomination.

10 He who misleads the upright onto the way of evil,

into his pits he will fall.

But as for the blameless, they will inherit good.

11 A man of wealth is wise in his own eyes,

but the intelligent poor sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumphs, great is the glory,

but with the rising of the wicked, a person will be hidden.

13 He who conceals his transgression will not prosper,

but he who confesses and forsakes will obtain mercy.

14 Happy is the person who fears continuously,

but he who is stubborn of heart, will fall into calamity.

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 cruel oppressor,

but those who hate unjust gain will have long days.

17 A person who is burdened with the blood of another,

until death he will flee;

do not take hold of him.

18 He who walks in integrity will be safe,

but he who takes crooked paths will fall in one.

19 He who tills his ground will have plenty bread,

but he who follows fantasies will have plenty of poverty.

20 A man of faithfulness has abundant blessings,

but he who hurries to become rich will not go unpunished.

21 Showing partiality is not good,

and over a morsel of bread, a strong man will do wrong.

22 He who hurries for wealth is a man with an evil eye,

but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor

than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 He who robs his father and his mother and says, “There is no crime,”

is partner to a man who corrupts.

25 The greedy person will stir up strife,

but he who trusts in Yahweh will be enriched.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom will be saved.

27 For he who gives to the poor, there is no lacking,

but for he who turns his eyes, there are many curses.

28 With the rising of the wicked, humankind will be hidden,

and with their perishing, the righteous will multiply.

1 Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them.

But those who do what is right are as bold as lions.

2 A country has many rulers when its people don’t obey.

But an understanding king knows how to keep order.

3 A ruler who beats poor people down

is like a pounding rain that leaves no crops.

4 Those who turn away from the law praise sinners.

But those who obey the law oppose them.

5 Sinful men don’t understand what is fair.

But those who worship the Lord understand it completely.

6 It is better to be poor and live without blame

than to be rich and follow a crooked path.

7 A child who obeys the law understands what is right.

But a child who likes to eat too much brings shame on his father.

8 A person who increases his wealth by charging high interest

piles it up for someone who will be kind to poor people.

9 If you don’t pay attention to the law,

even your prayers are hated.

10 Those who lead honest people down an evil path

will fall into their own trap.

But those who are without blame

will receive good things.

11 Rich people may be wise in their own eyes.

But a poor person who understands what is right knows what they are really like.

12 When godly people win, everyone is very happy.

But when sinners take charge, everyone hides.

13 Anyone who hides his sins doesn’t succeed.

But anyone who admits his sins and gives them up finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the one who always has respect for the Lord.

But anyone who is stubborn will get into trouble.

15 An evil person who rules over helpless people

is like a roaring lion or an angry bear.

16 A ruler who is mean to his people doesn’t have any sense.

But anyone who hates money gained in the wrong way will enjoy a long life.

17 A man who is troubled because he is guilty of murder

will be on the run until the day he dies.

No one should give him any help.

18 Anyone who lives without blame is kept safe.

But anyone whose path is crooked will suddenly fall.

19 Anyone who farms his land will have plenty of food.

But anyone who chases dreams will be very poor.

20 A faithful man will be richly blessed.

But anyone who wants to get rich will be punished.

21 Favoring one person over another is not good.

But some men will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 A man who won’t share what he has wants to get rich.

He doesn’t know he is going to be poor.

23 It is better to warn a man than to pretend to praise him.

In the end he will be more pleased with you.

24 Anyone who steals from his parents and says, “It’s not wrong,”

is just like a man who destroys.

25 A person who always wants more stirs up fights.

But anyone who trusts in the Lord will succeed.

26 Anyone who trusts in himself is foolish.

But a person who lives wisely is kept safe.

27 Those who give to poor people

will have everything they need.

But those who close their eyes to the poor

will be under many curses.

28 When those who are evil take charge, other people hide.

But when those who are evil die, godly people grow stronger.

1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,

But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes,

But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly

Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

But those who keep the law strive with them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice,

But those who seek the Lord understand all things.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son,

But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury

Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,

Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way

Will himself 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 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 transgressions will not prosper,

But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

14 How blessed is the man who fears always,

But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear

Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding,

But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood

Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.

18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered,

But he who is crooked will fall all at once.

19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food,

But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,

But he who makes haste 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 wealth

And does not know that want will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor

Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 He who robs his father or his mother

And says, “It is not a transgression,”

Is the companion of a man who destroys.

25 An arrogant man stirs up strife,

But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

27 He who gives to the poor will never want,

But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;

But when they perish, the righteous increase.