1 ¶ The wicked flee when no one is chasing them: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 ¶ When a land transgresses it has many rulers: but with men of understanding and knowledge its stability will endure.

3 ¶ A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.

4 ¶ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked: but those who keep the law contend with them.

5 ¶ Evil men do not understand justice: but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

6 ¶ It is better to be a poor man who is blameless, than a rich man who is perverse.

7 ¶ Whoever keeps the law is a wise son: but he who is a companion of rowdy and self-indulgent men brings shame to his father.

8 ¶ One who gets wealthy by usury and unjust gain, will gather it for one who will pity the poor.

9 ¶ He who turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer will be abomination.

10 ¶ Whoever leads the righteous into an evil way, will fall into his own pit: but the innocent will inherit prosperity.

11 ¶ A rich man may think he is wise; but a poor man who has understanding can see through him.

12 ¶ When righteous men triumph, there is great celebration: but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 ¶ He who denies his sins will not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them will be treated mercifully.

14 ¶ Blessed is the man who fears the Lord at all times: but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

15 ¶ A wicked man who rules over poor people; is like a roaring lion, and a prowling bear.

16 ¶ A ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor: but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

17 ¶ A man who is guilty of murder will be a fugitive to the day of his death; let no man help him.

18 ¶ Whoever lives honestly will be safe: but he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19 ¶ He who tills his land will have plenty of food: but he who chases after fantasies will have plenty of nothing.

20 ¶ A faithful man will have many blessings: but one who is in a hurry to get rich will not be innocent.

21 ¶ It is not good to show partiality: a man will do wrong even for a bite of food.

22 ¶ A greedy person is in a hurry to get rich, and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23 ¶ He who rebukes a man will later be better liked than he who flatters with the tongue.

24 ¶ Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, That is no sin; is no better than a murderer.

25 ¶ A greedy man 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 in wisdom, 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.