• 1 The wicked flee when there is no one pursuing, But the righteous are secure as a lion.
  • 2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man who understands, who knows, so it endures.
  • 3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is a driving rain which leaves no food.
  • 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But those who keep the law strive with them.
  • 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek Yahweh understand all things.
  • 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked—double dealing—though he be rich.
  • 7 He who observes the law is a son who understands, But he who befriends gluttons humiliates his father.
  • 8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the lowly.
  • 9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
  • 10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good.
  • 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the lowly who understands searches him.
  • 12 When the righteous exult, there is great honor, But when the wicked rise, man has to be sought out.
  • 13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will receive compassion.
  • 14 How blessed is the man who is always in dread, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
  • 15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
  • 16 A leader who lacks discernment abounds in oppressions, But he who hates greedy gain will prolong his days.
  • 17 A man oppressed with the bloodguilt of life Will flee until death; let no one uphold him.
  • 18 He who walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is crooked—double dealing—will fall all at once.
  • 19 He who cultivates his ground will be satisfied with food, But he who pursues empty things will be satisfied with poverty.
  • 20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.
  • 21 To show partiality is not good, Even for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
  • 22 A man with an evil eye hurries after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him.
  • 23 He who reproves a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.
  • 24 He who robs his father or his mother And says, “It is not a transgression,” Is the companion of a man who destroys.
  • 25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in Yahweh will be enriched.
  • 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will escape.
  • 27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
  • 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.