Verse 1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Verse 2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. Verse 3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops. Verse 4 Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them. Verse 5 Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. Verse 6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. Verse 7 Whoever keeps the Law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. Verse 8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor. Verse 9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Verse 10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good. Verse 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him. Verse 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. Verse 13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Verse 14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Verse 15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. Verse 16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days. Verse 17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him. Verse 18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly. Verse 19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. Verse 20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. Verse 21 To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. Verse 22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him. Verse 23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue. Verse 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer. Verse 25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the Lord will prosper. Verse 26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. Verse 27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses. Verse 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.