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but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a nation is in rebellion, its rulers are many,
but by a ruler who possesses understanding and knowledge, it endures.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor
is like driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law battle against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand all things.
6 Better is the poor man who walks in his integrity,
than a rich man whose ways are crooked.
7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He who increases his wealth through excessive interest
collects it for another who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns his ear away from hearing the law,
even his prayers are detestable.
10 He who leads the upright into evil ways
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will inherit that which is good.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
but when the wicked gain power, people hide themselves.
13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent,
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is tyrannical,
but he who hates unjust gain prolongs his life.
17 A man burdened by murdering another
will be a fugitive until death;
let no one help him.
18 He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He who works his land will have an abundance of food,
but he who chases worthless pursuits will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man will have many blessings,
but one who hastens to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good—
yet for a piece of bread a man may do wrong.
22 A miserly man hastens to become rich,
not knowing that poverty awaits him.
23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favour
than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, “That is not a sin,”
is the companion of a man who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife,
but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but he who turns his eyes away receives many curses.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous flourish.