1The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2When a country is in moral decay, it has many rulers; but when ruled by a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures. 3A poor ruler that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which destroys food crops. 4Those who reject the law praise the wicked, but the obedient resist them. 5Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. 6Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is corrupt, even if he is rich. 7A wise son keeps the law, but he that is a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8He that increases his wealth by usury and unjust gain, shall gather it for others that will be kind to the poor. 9He that turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is an abomination. 10Whoever leads the righteous on an evil path shall fall into his own trap; but the upright shall inheritance good things. 11The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor with discernment sees how deluded he is. 12When righteous men triumph, there is great rejoicing; but when the wicked rise to power, many people hide. 13He who hides his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them shall find mercy. 14Blessed is the man that fears to do wrong; but he that hardens his heart shall fall into evil. 15As a roaring lion, and a charging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the helpless people. 16The tyrant with no understanding will oppress and extort his subjects; but he that hates corruption shall have a longer reign. 17A murderer tormented by his guilt shall flee to the grave; let no man hold him back! 18Whoever walks with integrity shall be saved, but those of perverse ways shall be come to ruin. 19He that tills his land shall have plenty of food, but he that pursues fantasies shall have his fill of poverty. 20A faithful man shall be richly blessed, but he that is too eager to be rich will not remain innocent. 21Showing partiality is never good – but some will do so just for a piece of bread. 22Greedy people seek to get rich quick; but fail to consider that poverty shall come upon him. 23He who offers constructive criticism shall gain more respect in the long run than one who flatters with the tongue. 24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It is not wrong”; is no better than a murderer. 25He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall prosper. 26He that trusts in himself is a fool; but whoever walks wisely will be kept safe. 27Those that give to the poor shall not lack, but he that closes his eyes to their need shall have many a curse. 28When the wicked rise to power, men hide; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.