[1] The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a
lion. [2] When a land transgresses it has many rulers; but with men of
understanding and knowledge its stability will long continue. [3] A poor
man 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 strive
against them. [5] Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek
the LORD understand it completely. [6] Better is a poor man who walks in
his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways. [7] He who keeps
the law is a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. [8]
He who augments his wealth by interest and increase gathers it for him who
is kind to the poor. [9] If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination. [10] He who misleads the upright into an
evil way will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will have a goodly
inheritance. [11] A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who
has understanding will find him out. [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 obtain mercy. [14] Blessed is the man who fears the LORD
always; but he who hardens his heart 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 he who hates
unjust gain will prolong his days. [17] If a man is burdened with the blood
of another, let him be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. [18] He
who walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is perverse in his
ways will fall into a pit. [19] He who tills his land will have plenty of
bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
[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; but for a
piece of bread a man will do wrong. [22] A miserly man 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 his tongue.
[24] He who robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no
transgression," is the companion of a man who destroys. [25] A greedy man
stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. [26] He
who trusts in his own mind is a fool; but he who walks in wisdom will be
delivered. [27] He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides
his eyes will get many a curse. [28] When the wicked rise, men hide
themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.