1The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.

2When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.

3When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.

4People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.

5Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.

6Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.

7If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company ⁸³you shame your father.

8Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.

9God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.

10Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.

11The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.

12When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.

13People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.

14Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.

15A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.

16An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.

17Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them. ⁸⁴

18If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.

19If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.

20If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.

21Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.

22Envious people ⁸⁵are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.

23Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.

24A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer. ⁸⁶

25Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.

26People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.

27If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.

28When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.