Verse 1
The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.
Verse 2
Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.
Verse 3
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
Verse 4
Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.
Verse 5
Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.
Verse 6
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
Verse 7
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.
Verse 8
He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.
Verse 9
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
Verse 10
Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.
Verse 11
The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.
Verse 12
When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.
Verse 13
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
Verse 14
Happy is the man in whom is the fear of the Lord at all times; but he whose heart is hard will come into trouble.
Verse 15
Like a loud-voiced lion and a wandering bear, is an evil ruler over a poor people.
Verse 16
The prince who has no sense is a cruel ruler; but he who has no desire to get profit for himself will have long life.
Verse 17
One who has been the cause of a man's death will go in flight to the underworld: let no man give him help.
Verse 18
He whose ways are upright will be safe, but sudden will be the fall of him whose ways are twisted.
Verse 19
By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
Verse 20
A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
Verse 21
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
Verse 22
He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
Verse 23
He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
Verse 24
He who takes from his father or his mother what is theirs by right, and says, It is no sin; is the same as a taker of life.
Verse 25
He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.
Verse 26
He whose faith is in himself is foolish; but everyone walking wisely will be kept safe.
Verse 27
He who gives to the poor will never be in need, but great curses will be on him who gives no attention to them.
Verse 28
When evil-doers are lifted up, men take cover; but when destruction overtakes them, the upright are increased.