1The wicked flee though none pursue;

but the just, like a lion, are confident.

2If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many;

but with an intelligent and wise ruler there is stability.*

3One who is poor and extorts from the lowly

is a devastating rain that leaves no food.*

4Those who abandon instruction* praise the wicked,

but those who keep instruction oppose them.

5The evil understand nothing of justice,*

but those who seek the Lord understand everything.

6Better to be poor and walk in integrity

than rich and crooked in one’s ways.a

7Whoever heeds instruction is a wise son,

but whoever joins with wastrels disgraces his father.

8Whoever amasses wealth by interest and overcharge*

gathers it for the one who is kind to the poor.

9Those who turn their ears from hearing instruction,b

even their prayer is an abomination.

10Those who mislead the upright into an evil way

will themselves fall into their own pit,

but the blameless will attain prosperity.

11The rich are wise in their own eyes,

but the poor who are intelligent see through them.

12When the just triumph, there is great glory;

but when the wicked prevail, people hide.*

13Those who conceal their sins do not prosper,

but those who confess and forsake them obtain mercy.*

14Happy those who always fear;*

but those who harden their hearts fall into evil.

15A roaring lion or a ravenous bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16The less prudent the rulers, the more oppressive their deeds.

Those who hate ill-gotten gain prolong their days.

17Though a person burdened with blood guilt is in flight even to the grave,

let no one offer support.

18Whoever walks blamelessly is safe,

but one whose ways are crooked falls into a pit.

19Those who cultivate their land will have plenty of food,

but those who engage in idle pursuits will have plenty of want.c

20The trustworthy will be richly blessed;

but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.d

21To show partiality is never good:e

for even a morsel of bread one may do wrong.*

22Misers hurry toward wealth,

not knowing that want is coming toward them.*

23Whoever rebukes another wins more favor

than one who flatters with the tongue.

24Whoever defrauds father or mother and says, “It is no sin,”f

is a partner to a brigand.

25The greedy person stirs up strife,

but the one who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

26Those who trust in themselves are fools,

but those who walk in wisdom are safe.

27Those who give to the poor have no lack,g

but those who avert their eyes, many curses.

28When the wicked prevail, people hide;

but at their fall the just abound.h