The Boldness of the Righteous

1The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2A land in rebellion has many rulers,

but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law resist them.

5Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

6Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

7A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury

lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,

even his prayer is detestable.

10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13He who conceals his sins will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

14Blessed is the man who is always reverent,a

but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,

but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;b

let no one support him.

18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,

but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good,

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

22A stingy manc hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty awaits him.

23He who rebukes a man will later find more favor

than one who flatters with his tongue.

24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”

is a companion to the man who destroys.

25A greedy man stirs up strife,

but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26He who trusts in himself is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,

but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;

but when they perish, the righteous flourish.