• Warnings and Instructions

  • 1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
  • 2 Due to a wrongdoing of a land its leaders are many, But by a person of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
  • 3 A poor man who oppresses the helpless Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
  • 4 Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked, But those who keep the Law strive against them.
  • 5 Evil people do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand everything.
  • 6 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity, Than a person who is crooked, though he is rich.
  • 7 He who keeps the Law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
  • 8 One who increases his wealth by interest of any kind, Collects it for one who is gracious to the poor.
  • 9 One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
  • 10 One 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 person is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
  • 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
  • 13 One who conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper, But one who confesses and abandons them will find compassion.
  • 14 How blessed is the person who fears always, But one who hardens his heart will fall into disaster.
  • 15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
  • 16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, But a person who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
  • 17 A person who is burdened with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death; no one is to support him!
  • 18 One who walks blamelessly will receive help, But one who is crooked will fall all at once.
  • 19 One who works his land will have plenty of food, But one who follows empty pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
  • 20 A faithful person will abound with blessings, But one who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
  • 21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
  • 22 A person with an evil eye hurries after wealth And does not know that poverty will come upon him.
  • 23 One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor Than one who flatters with the tongue.
  • 24 He who robs his father or his mother And says, “There is no wrong done,” Is the companion of a person who destroys.
  • 25 An arrogant person stirs up strife, But one who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
  • 26 One who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.
  • 27 One who gives to the poor will never lack anything, But one who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
  • 28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.