Warnings and Instructions
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues them,
But the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a land does wrong, it has many princes,
But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.
3 A poor man who oppressesandexploits the lowly
Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
4 Those whoset aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
But they who long forandseek the Lordunderstand it fully.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crookedandtwo-faced though he is rich.
7 He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wiseanddiscerning son,
But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself].
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest)
Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.
9 He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man],
Even his prayer is repulsive [to God].
10 He who leads the upright astray on an evil path
Will himself fall into his own pit,
But the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great gloryandcelebration;
But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves.
13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But whoever confesses andturns away from his sins will find compassionandmercy.
14 Blessedandfavored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times,
But he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understandingandcommon sense [and his wickedness shortens his days],
But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.
17 A man who is burdened with the guilt of human blood (murder)
Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support himorgive him refuge.
18 He who walks blamelesslyanduprightly will be kept safe,
But he who is crooked (perverse) will suddenly fall.
19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows worthless peopleandfrivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings,
But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To have regard for one person over anotherandto show favoritism is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 He who has an evilandenvious eye hurries to be rich
And does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 He who robs his father or his mother
And says, “This is no sin,”
Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys.
25 An arrogantandgreedy man stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lordwill be blessedandprosper.
26 He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool,
But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.
27 He who gives to the poor will never want,
But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves;
But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increaseandbecome great.