28 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, u

but the righteous are as bold as a lion. v

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

but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

3 A destitute leader x who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food. y

4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked, z

but those who keep the law battle against them. a

5 Evil men do not understand justice, b

but those who seek the Lord understand everything. c

6 Better a poor man who lives with integrity d

than a rich man who distorts right and wrong. e f

7 A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. g

8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest h

collects it for one who is kind to the poor. i

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

even his prayer is detestable. j

10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit, k

but the blameless will inherit what is good. l

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, m

but when the wicked come to power,

people hide themselves. n

13 The one who conceals his sins

will not prosper, o

but whoever confesses and renounces them

will find mercy. p

14 Happy is the one who is always reverent, q

but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. r

15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people s

is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. t

16 A leader who lacks understanding

is very oppressive,

but one who hates dishonest profit

prolongs his life. u

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt v

will be a fugitive until death. w

Let no one help him. x

18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,

but one who distorts right and wrong y

will suddenly fall. z

19 The one who works his land

will have plenty of food, a

but whoever chases fantasies

will have his fill of poverty. b

20 A faithful man will have many blessings, c

but one in a hurry to get rich d

will not go unpunished.

21 It is not good to show partiality e—

yet a man may sin for a piece of bread. f

22 A greedy man g is in a hurry for wealth;

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

23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor i

than one who flatters j with his tongue. k

24 The one who robs his father or mother l

and says, “That’s no sin,” m

is a companion to a man who destroys. n

25 A greedy person provokes conflict, o

but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper. p

26 The one who trusts in himself q is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. r

27 The one who gives to the poor

will not be in need,

but one who turns his eyes away s

will receive many curses. t

28 When the wicked come to power,

people hide,

but when they are destroyed,

the righteous flourish. u