1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2Because of the transgression of a land, many are its rulers; but a reign is prolonged by a man of discernment and knowledge. 3A poor man who oppresses the lowly is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. 4Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked, but those who keep the Law strive against them. 5Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek Jehovah understand all things. 6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7Whoever keeps the Law is an understanding son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury, gathers it for him who will pity the poor. 9He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit; but the one who is perfect shall possess the 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 arise, men hide themselves. 13He who covers his sins shall not prosper; but he who confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. 14Blessed is the man who is continually in awe, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into evil. 15Like a roaring lion and a ranging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the lowly people. 16A ruler lacking understanding is abundant in extortions; he who hates unjust gain shall prolong his days. 17A man who is oppressed with the blood of a soul shall flee to the pit; let no one support him. 18Whoever walks in integrity 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 pursues vanities shall have poverty enough. 20A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be found innocent. 21To show partiality is not good; because, for a piece of bread a man will transgress. 22He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and does not recognize that poverty will come upon him. 23He who rebukes a man shall afterwards find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue. 24He who robs his father or his mother and says, It is no transgression, is a companion to a man who destroys. 25He who is of a proud soul stirs up strife; but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat. 26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely 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 arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous increase.