1The wicked flee [when] no man pursues; but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2Because of the transgression of a land, many [are] its rulers; but [it is] prolonged by a man of discernment who knows [right]. 3A poor man who crushes the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law plead against them. 5Evil men do not understand judgment; but those who seek the LORD understand all [things]. 6Better [is] the poor who walks in his uprightness than he who [is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [is] rich. 7Whoever keeps the law [is] a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8He who increases his wealth by interest and unjust gain, [he shall] gather it for him who will pity the poor. 9He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [is] a hateful thing. 10Whoever causes the righteous man to go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit; but the upright shall inherit good. 11The rich man [is] wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding searches him out. 12When the righteous rejoice, [there is] great glory; but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13He who covers his sins shall not be blessed; but whoever confesses and leaves [them] shall have mercy. 14Blessed [is] the man dreading [God], but he who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief. 15[Like] a roaring lion and a ranging bear, [so is] a wicked ruler over the helpless people. 16A ruler lacking understanding even adds oppressions; he who hates unjust gain shall prolong [his] days. 17A man who is pressed down with the blood of a soul shall flee to the pit; do not let them uphold him. 18Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved; but he who is perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once. 19He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he pursuing vanities shall have poverty enough. 20A faithful man shall overflow with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21To have respect of persons [is] not good; yea, for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22He who hastens to be rich [has] an evil eye, and does not know that poverty will come upon him. 23He who rebukes a man shall afterwards find [more] favor than he who flatters [with] the tongue. 24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, [It is] no sin he [shall be] a companion to a destroyer. 25He who is of a proud heart stirs up fighting; but he who puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. 26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool; but whoever 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, a man hides himself, but when they perish, the righteous increase.