1 The wicked flee [when] no man pursues; but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 Because of the transgression of a land, many [are] its rulers; but [it is] prolonged by a man of discernment who knows [right].

3 A poor man who crushes the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law plead against them.

5 Evil men do not understand judgment; but those who seek the LORD understand all [things].

6 Better [is] the poor who walks in his uprightness than he who [is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [is] rich.

7 Whoever keeps the law [is] a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and unjust gain, [he shall] gather it for him who will pity the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [is] a hateful thing.

10 Whoever causes the righteous man to go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit; but the upright shall inherit good.

11 The rich man [is] wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12 When the righteous rejoice, [there is] great glory; but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He who covers his sins shall not be blessed; but whoever confesses and leaves [them] shall have mercy.

14 Blessed [is] the man dreading [God], but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 [Like] a roaring lion and a ranging bear, [so is] a wicked ruler over the helpless people.

16 A ruler lacking understanding even adds oppressions; he who hates unjust gain shall prolong [his] days.

17 A man who is pressed down with the blood of a soul shall flee to the pit; do not let them uphold him.

18 Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved; but he who is perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once.

19 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he pursuing vanities shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall overflow with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons [is] not good; yea, for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 He who hastens to be rich [has] an evil eye, and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a man shall afterwards find [more] favor than he who flatters [with] the tongue.

24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, [It is] no sin he [shall be] a companion to a destroyer.

25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up fighting; but he who puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, a man hides himself, but when they perish, the righteous increase.