Warnings and Instructions

1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
          But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes,
          But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.

3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly
          Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
          But those who keep the law strive with them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice,
          But those who seek the LORD understand all things.

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
          Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
          But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury
          Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
          Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way
          Will himself 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 sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
          But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
          But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

14 How blessed is the man who fears always,
          But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear
          Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding,
          But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood
          Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him.

18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered,
          But he who is crooked will fall all at once.

19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food,
          But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,
          But he who makes haste 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 wealth
          And does not know that want will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
          Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 He who robs his father or his mother
          And says, “It is not a transgression,”
          Is the companion of a man who destroys.

25 An arrogant man stirs up strife,
          But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
          But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

27 He who gives to the poor will never want,
          But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
          But when they perish, the righteous increase.