[1] The wicked flee when no one pursues; But the righteous are as bold
as a lion. [2] In rebellion, a land has many rulers, But order is
maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. [3] A needy man who
oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no crops. [4]
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; But those who keep the law
contend with them. [5] Evil men don`t understand justice; But those who
seek Yahweh understand it fully. [6] Better is the poor who walks in his
integrity, Than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. [7]
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; But he who is a companion of
gluttons shames his father. [8] He who increases his wealth by excessive
interest Gathers it for one who has pity on 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 will
fall into his own trap; But the blameless will inherit good. [11] The
rich man 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, men hide themselves. [13] He who conceals his
sins doesn`t prosper, But whoever confesses and renounces them finds
mercy. [14] Blessed is the man who always fears; But one who hardens his
heart falls into trouble. [15] As a roaring lion or a charging bear, So
is a wicked ruler over helpless people. [16] The ruler who lacks judgment
is a great tyrant. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
[17] A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until
death; No one will support him. [18] Whoever walks blamelessly is kept
safe; But one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. [19] One who works
his land will have an abundance of food; But one who chases fantasies
will have his fill of poverty. [20] A faithful man is rich with blessings;
But one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. [21] To show
partiality is not good; Yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
[22] A stingy man hurries after riches, And doesn`t know that poverty
waits for him. [23] One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
Than one who flatters with the tongue. [24] Whoever robs his father or his
mother, and says, "It`s not wrong." He is a partner with a
destroyer. [25] One who is greedy stirs up strife; But one who trusts in
Yahweh will prosper. [26] One who trusts in himself is a fool; But one
who walks in wisdom, he is kept safe. [27] One who gives to the poor has no
lack; But one who closes his eyes will have many curses. [28] When the
wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous
thrive.
