28 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.