1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. |
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged. |
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food. |
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. |
5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all. |
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. |
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father. |
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor. |
9 One 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 himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good. |
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out. |
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves. |
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. |
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. |
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people. |
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days. |
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him. |
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. |
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! |
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. |
21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. |
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him. |
23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. |
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer. |
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered. |
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered. |
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses. |
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase. |