1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them. But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2When a land does wrong, it has many rulers. But a man of understanding and knowledge keeps it steady for a long time.
3A poor man who crushes the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food behind.
4Those who abandon the law praise the wicked. But those who keep the law fight against them.
5Evil men do not understand justice. But those who seek the LORD understand all things.
6Better to be poor and walk in honesty than to be twisted in your ways, even if you are rich.
7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son. But a friend of wild men brings shame on his father.
8Whoever grows rich by charging interest and taking unjust gain is only gathering it for the man who will pity the poor.
9If a man turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
10Whoever leads the righteous astray into an evil way will fall into his own pit. But those who are upright will have good things for their own.
11The rich man thinks he is wise. But the poor man who has understanding sees right through him.
12When righteous men are glad, there is great glory. But when the wicked rise up, people go into hiding.
13Whoever covers up his sins will not do well. But whoever confesses them and turns away from them will find mercy.
14Happy is the man who is always careful. But whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15Like a roaring lion, or a bear on the prowl, so is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16A ruler who has no understanding crushes people cruelly. But the one who hates greed will live long.
17A man who has shed someone's blood will run until he falls into the pit. Let no one stop him.
18Whoever walks honestly will be saved. But the man who is twisted in his ways will fall all at once.
19The man who works his land will have plenty of bread. But the man who chases empty things will have plenty of poverty.
20A faithful man will have many blessings. But the man in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.
21It is not good to show favour to some and not to others. Yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22The man in a hurry to get rich has a greedy eye. He does not realise that poverty is coming to him.
23The one who corrects a man will in the end be liked more than the one who flatters with his tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "It is no sin," is a friend of the destroyer.
25A man with a proud heart stirs up quarrels. But the one who trusts in the LORD will be made rich.
26Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever walks wisely will be kept safe.
27Whoever gives to the poor will not go without. But the one who hides his eyes will get many curses.
28When the wicked rise up, people hide themselves. But when they die, the righteous grow strong.