28 The wicked flee when no man 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, it shall be prolonged.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor
is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
but such as keep instruction contend 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 uprightness
than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son,
but he who is a companion of riotous men shames his father.
8 He who by usury and unjust gain increases his substance
will gather it for him who will pity the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing instruction,
even his prayer will be an abomination.
10 Whoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way,
he himself will fall into his own pit;
but the upright will have good things in possession.
11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit,
but the poor who has understanding searches him out.
12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory;
but when the wicked rise, a man hides himself.
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14 Happy is the man who always fears,
but he who hardens his heart will fall into mischief.
15 As a roaring lion and a charging bear,
so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 The prince who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor,
but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17 A man burdened with bloodshed of any person
will flee until death;
let no man help him.
18 Whoever walks uprightly will be saved,
but he who is perverse in his ways will fall at once.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows after vain things will have poverty enough.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but he who makes haste to be rich will not be innocent.
21 To show partiality is not good,
because for a morsel of bread that man will transgress.
22 He who hastens to be rich has an evil eye,
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 the companion of a destroyer.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
but he who puts his trust in the Lord will prosper.
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 a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
but when they perish, the righteous increase.