1The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2When a land transgresses it has many rulers;

but with men of understanding and knowledge

its stability will long continue.

3A poor man who oppresses the poor

is a beating rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law strive against them.

5Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

6Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

than a rich man who is perverse in his ways.

7He who keeps the law is a wise son,

but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8He who augments his wealth by interest and increase

gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.

9If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,

even his prayer is an abomination.

10He who misleads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit;

but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;

but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,

but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

14Blessed is the man who fears the LORD always;

but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor;

but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17If a man is burdened with the blood of another,

let him be a fugitive until death;

let no one help him.

18He who walks in integrity will be delivered,

but he who is perverse in his ways will fall into a pit.28.18 Syr: Heb in one

19He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good;

but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

22A miserly man hastens after wealth,

and does not know that want will come upon him.

23He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favour

than he who flatters with his tongue.

24He who robs his father or his mother

and says, “That is no transgression,”

is the companion of a man who destroys.

25A greedy man stirs up strife,

but he who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

26He who trusts in his own mind is a fool;

but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

27He who gives to the poor will not want,

but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves,

but when they perish, the righteous increase.