28 Evil people run even though no one is chasing them.
But good people are as brave as a lion.
2 When a country is disobedient, it has one ruler after another.
But when it is led by a man with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong.
3 Rulers who are cruel to the poor
are like a hard rain that destroys the crops.
4 People who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked.
But those who obey what they have been taught are against the wicked.
5 Evil people do not understand fairness.
But those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 It is better to be poor and innocent
than to be rich and wicked.
7 The son who obeys what he has been taught
shows he is wise.
But the son who makes friends with those who have no self-control
disgraces his father.
8 Some people get rich by overcharging others.
But their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor.
9 If you refuse to obey what you have been taught,
your prayers will not be heard.
10 Those who lead honest people to do wrong
will be ruined by their own evil.
But the innocent will be rewarded with good things.
11 A rich man may think he is wise.
But a poor man who has understanding knows the rich man is wrong.
12 When good people win, there is great happiness.
But when the wicked get power, everybody hides.
13 If you hide your sins, you will not succeed.
If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.
14 Those who always respect the Lord will be happy.
But those who are stubborn will get into trouble.
15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people
as a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 A ruler who is cruel does not have wisdom.
But the one who hates money taken dishonestly will live a long time.
17 A man who is guilty of murder
will run until he dies.
So do not stop him.
18 Innocent people will be kept safe.
But those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined.
19 The person who works his land will have plenty of food.
But the one who chases useless dreams instead will end up very poor.
20 A truthful man will have many blessings.
But those eager to get rich will be punished.
21 It is not good for a judge to take sides.
But some will sin for just a piece of bread.
22 A selfish person is in a hurry to get rich.
He does not realize his selfishness will make him poor.
23 Those who correct others will later be liked
more than those who give false praise.
24 Some people rob their fathers or mothers
and say, “It’s not wrong.”
Such people are just like those who destroy things.
25 A greedy person causes trouble.
But the one who trusts the Lord will succeed.
26 The person who trusts in himself is foolish.
But the person who lives wisely will be kept safe.
27 The person who gives to the poor will have everything he needs.
But the one who ignores the poor will have many curses put on him.
28 When the wicked get power, everybody hides.
But when the wicked die, the good people do well.