1The wicked man runs away even when no one is after him but the virtuous man feels as safe as a lion.
2A country, for its sins, has many rulers; but with one wise ruler there is stability.
3The evildoer oppressing the poor is like destructive floods which leave no food.
4Those who foresake the Law applaud evil; those faithful to the Law fight evil.
5The wicked have no understanding of justice but those who seek Yahweh understand all.
6Better the poor but honest life than devious living, with riches.
7A clever man keeps the Law, while he who associates with scoundrels brings shame to his father.
8He who adds to his wealth by usury and greed amasses it for another who has compassion on the poor.
9If anyone turns a deaf ear to the Law, even his prayer is contaminated by sin.
10He who leads the virtuous astray will fall into his own trap. The upright will inherit happiness.
11The rich man thinks himself wise while the poor but sensible man knows how to show him up.
12When the virtuous triumph, there is great feasting, but when the wicked dominate, everybody hides.
13Whoever conceals his faults will not prosper, but he who confesses and renounces them will be shown mercy.
14Happy the one who always lives in the fear of God; he who hardens his heart will fall on disaster.
15A roaring lion, a hungry bear, such is the bad leader of a poor people.
16The ruler lacking intelligence multiplies oppression; but he who abhors greed will endure.
17The man wanted for murder will be on the run until death. Let him go!
18He who goes his way honestly will be saved, he who vacillates between two ways will fall in one of them.
19He who tends his land will have an abundance of bread, while he who chases illusions will have his fill of misery.
20The trustworthy man will be heaped with blessings, but he who is preoccupied with getting rich will not be guiltless.
21It is not good to show partiality but a man will do wrong for a mouthful of bread.
22The greedy-eyed man is on the lookout for wealth not knowing that misfortune will befall him.
23He who reproves another will eventually enjoy more favor than the flatterer.
24He who steals from his father and mother saying, “It’s not a sin,” is just like a criminal.
25The greedy man brings about trouble; but he who trusts in Yahweh will be filled with good things.
26He who trusts in himself is just like a fool; while he who walks wisely will be saved.
27He who gives to the poor will not be in need; but he who turns a blind eye to them will have his fill of disgrace.
28When the wicked triumph, everybody hides; but when they perish, the virtuous multiply.
