1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its rulers; but a reign is prolonged by a man of discernment and knowledge.

3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly is like a sweeping rain which 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 Jehovah understand all things.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoever keeps the Law is an understanding son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury, gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit; but the one who is perfect shall possess the 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 arise, men hide themselves.

13 He who covers his sins shall not prosper; but he who confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

14 Blessed is the man who is continually in awe, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into evil.

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

16 A ruler lacking understanding is abundant in extortions; he who hates unjust gain shall prolong his days.

17 A man who is oppressed with the blood of a soul shall flee to the pit; let no one support him.

18 Whoever walks in integrity shall be delivered; 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 who pursues vanities shall have poverty enough.

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

21 To show partiality is not good; because, for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and does not recognize 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 He who robs his father or his mother and says, It is no transgression, is a companion to a man who destroys.

25 He who is of a proud soul stirs up strife; but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely 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 arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.