Contrasting Good and Evil

1The wicked flee, though no one pursues,

but the righteous are bold like a lion.

2When a land transgresses,

it gains a succession of leaders,

but with an understanding and knowledgeable man,

its stability endures.

3A poor man who oppresses the weak

is like a rainstorm that destroys alla the crops.

4Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked,

but whoever keeps itb fights them.

5Evil men don’t understand justice,

but whoever seeks the LORD understands it all.

6It’s better to be poor and live a blameless life

than to be rich but crooked in one’s lifestyle.

7Whoever keeps the Law is a discerning son,

but whoever keeps company with gluttons

brings shame to his father.

8Whoever gains wealth by charging exorbitantc interest

collects it for someone who is kind to the poor.

9If someone quitsd listening to the Law

even his prayer is detestable.

10Whoever misleads the upright along an evil way

will himself fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11The rich man may be wise in his own opinion;

but a discerning, poor man sees through him.

12When the righteous are victorious, there is great glory,

but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.

13Whoever hides his transgressions will not succeed,

but whoever confesses and forsakes them will find mercy.

14Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD,e

but whoever hardens his heart will fall into disaster.

15A roaring lion and a charging bear—

that’s what a wicked tyrant is over poor people.

16A Commander-in-Chieff who is a cruel oppressor lacks understanding,

but whoever hates unjust gain will live longer.g

17A guilty man tormented by bloodshed

will be a lifelong fugitive;

let no one support him.

18Whoever lives blamelessly will be delivered,

but whoever is perverted will fall without warning.

19Whoever works his farmland will have abundant food,

but whoever chases fantasies will become very poor.

20The faithful man will prosper with blessings,

but whoever is in a hurry to get rich

will not escape punishment.

21To show partiality isn’t good,

yet for a piece of bread the valiant will transgress.

22The miserh is in a hurry to get wealthy,

but he isn’t aware that poverty will catch up with him.

23Whoever rebukes a man will later on find more favor

than someone who flatters with his words.i

24Whoever steals from his father or mother

but claims, “It’s no sin,”

is a companion to someone who demolishes.

25An arrogantj man stirs up dissension,

but anyone who trusts in the LORD prospers.

26Whoever trusts in himself is foolish,

but whoever lives wisely will be kept safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will never lack,

but whoever shuts his eyes to their povertyk will be cursed.

28When the wicked rise to power, people hide themselves,

but when the wickedl perish, the righteous increase.