1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,

but the godly are as bold as lions.

2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.

But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3A poor person who oppresses the poor

is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4To reject the law is to praise the wicked;

to obey the law is to fight them.

5Evil people don’t understand justice,

but those who follow the LORD understand completely.

6Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and rich.

7Young people who obey the law are wise;

those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.a

8Income from charging high interest rates

will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

9God detests the prayers

of a person who ignores the law.

10Those who lead good people along an evil path

will fall into their own trap,

but the honest will inherit good things.

11Rich people may think they are wise,

but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.

When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13People who conceal their sins will not prosper,

but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,b

but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor

as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,

but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.

Don’t protect him!

18The blameless will be rescued from harm,

but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,

but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21Showing partiality is never good,

yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22Greedy people try to get rich quick

but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism

far more than flattery.

24Anyone who steals from his father and mother

and says, “What’s wrong with that?”

is no better than a murderer.

25Greed causes fighting;

trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.

26Those who trust their own insight are foolish,

but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,

but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.