1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. |
3 A ruler1 28:3 Or A poor man who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. |
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law resist them. |
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. |
6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless
than a rich man whose ways are perverse. |
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. |
8 He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. |
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,
even his prayers are detestable. |
10 He who leads the upright along an evil path
will fall into his own trap,
but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. |
11 A rich man may be wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. |
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding. |
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. |
14 Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD ,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. |
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people. |
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment,
but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life. |
17 A man tormented by the guilt of murder
will be a fugitive till death;
let no one support him. |
18 He whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall. |
19 He who works his land will have abundant food,
but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. |
20 A faithful man will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. |
21 To show partiality is not good-
yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. |
22 A stingy man is eager to get rich
and is unaware that poverty awaits him. |
23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor
than he who has a flattering tongue. |
24 He who robs his father or mother
and says, "It's not wrong"-
he is partner to him who destroys. |
25 A greedy man stirs up dissension,
but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. |
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. |
27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. |
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. |
