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 Die goddelose vlug sonder dat daar 'n vervolger is, maar die regverdiges voel hulle veilig soos 'n jong leeu.

2 Deur die oortreding van 'n land word sy vorste baie, maar deur 'n verstandige mens met kennis is die reg duursaam.

3 'n Man wat arm is en die armes verdruk, is soos 'n reën wat wegspoel en geen brood bring nie.

4 Die wat die wet verlaat, hulle prys die goddelose; maar die wat die wet onderhou, word vererg oor hulle.

5 Slegte mense verstaan die reg nie, maar die wat die HERE soek, verstaan alles.

6 Die arme wat in sy regskapenheid wandel, is beter as die verkeerde wat twee paaie wil loop en daarby ryk is.

7 Wie die wet bewaar, is 'n verstandige seun; maar hy wat met deurbringers omgaan, steek sy vader in die skande.

8 Wie sy goed vermeerder deur rente en deur woeker, maak bymekaar vir een wat hom oor die armes sal ontferm.

9 Wie sy oor wegdraai om nie na die wet te luister nie, selfs sy gebed is 'n gruwel.

10 Wie die opregtes laat verdwaal op 'n verkeerde weg, sal self in sy eie kuil val; maar die regskapenes sal die goeie beërwe.

11 'n Ryk man is wys in sy eie oë; maar 'n arme wat verstandig is, ondersoek hom terdeë.

12 As die regverdiges juig, is die heerlikheid groot; maar as die goddelose opkom, moet die mense gesoek word.

13 Hy wat sy oortredinge bedek, sal nie voorspoedig wees nie; maar hy wat dit bely en laat staan, sal barmhartigheid vind.

14 Gelukkig is die mens wat gedurigdeur vrees; maar hy wat sy hart verhard, sal in die onheil val.

15 'n Leeu wat brom, en 'n beer wat hongerig is, so is 'n goddelose wat oor 'n arm volk heers.

16 'n Vors wat gebrek aan verstand het, is wel ryk aan afpersinge, maar die wat onregverdige wins haat, sal die dae verleng.

17 'n Mens wat gedruk word deur die bloed van 'n mens, sal vlug tot by die graf; laat niemand hom vashou nie.

18 Wie opreg wandel, sal gehelp word; maar hy wat verward is, wat die twee paaie betref, sal meteens val.

19 Wie sy land bewerk, het volop brood; maar hy wat nietighede najaag, het armoede volop.

20 'n Betroubare man is ryk aan seëninge; maar hy wat haastig is om ryk te word, sal nie ongestraf bly nie.

21 Om partydig te wees, is nie goed nie, want ook vir 'n stuk brood kan 'n man 'n oortreding begaan.

22 'n Afgunstige man oorhaas hom om ryk te word, en hy weet nie dat gebrek oor hom sal kom nie.

23 Hy wat 'n mens teregwys, sal agterna meer guns vind as hy wat vlei.

24 Wie sy vader of sy moeder berowe, en sê: Dit is geen oortreding nie! -- hy is 'n bondgenoot van 'n man wat verderflik handel.

25 Die hebsugtige verwek twis; maar hy wat op die HERE vertrou, word verkwik.

26 Wie op sy eie hart vertrou, hy is 'n dwaas; maar hy wat in wysheid wandel, word gered.

27 Wie aan die arme gee, sal nie gebrek ly nie; maar hy wat sy oë toemaak, word swaar vervloek.

28 As die goddelose opkom, verberg die mens homself; maar as hulle omkom, word die regverdiges baie.