1A wicked man flees when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2For the transgression of a land many are the rulers of it. But by men of understanding [and] knowledge the state shall be prolonged. 3A needy man who oppresses the poor is a sweeping rain which leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them. 5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek LORD understand all things. 6Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in [his] ways, though he be rich. 7He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8He who augments his substance by interest and increase, gathers it for him who has pity on the poor. 9He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10He who causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit. But the perfect shall inherit good. 11The rich man is wise in his own conceit, but a poor man who has understanding searches him out. 12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13He who covers his transgressions shall not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy. 14Happy is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief. 15A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, [is] a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16The ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, [but] he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days. 17A man who is laden with the blood of any person shall flee to the pit. Let no man stay him. 18He who walks uprightly shall be delivered, but he who is perverse in [his] ways shall fall at once. 19He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who follows after vanity shall have poverty enough. 20A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be unpunished. 21To have respect of persons is not good, nor that a man should transgress for a piece of bread. 22He who has an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not know that want shall come upon him. 23He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue. 24He who robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression, the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in LORD shall be made fat. 26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely, he shall be delivered. 27He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many a curse. 28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.