28 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.