1The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the upright are as bold as a lion.

2In rebellious breach of relationship, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.

3A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

4Those who forsake the Torah ·Teaching· praise the wicked; but those who keep the Torah ·Teaching· contend with them.

5Evil men don’t understand mishpat ·justice·; but those who seek Adonai understand it fully.

6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.

7Whoever keeps the Torah ·Teaching· is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

9He who turns away his ear from sh'ma ·hearing obeying· the Torah ·Teaching·, even his prayer is an abomination.

10Whoever causes the upright to be led astray, intoxicated, unintentional sin ·error· in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap;
but the blameless will inherit good.

11The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.

12When the upright triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13He who conceals his rebellious breaches of relationships does not prosper, but whoever yadah ·extend hands in confession· and forsake renounces them finds racham ·merciful love·.

14Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

16A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

17A man who is tormented by life-blood will be a fugitive until the pit (of Abbadon, the unrighteous side of Sheol); no one will support him.

18Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

19One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good; yet a man will rebel to break away from authority thus breaking relationship for a piece of bread.

22A stingy man hurries after riches, and does not know that poverty waits for him.

23One who rebukes a man will afterward find more chen ·grace· than one who flatters with the tongue.

24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not rebellious breach of relationship.” He is a partner with a destroyer.

25One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Adonai will prosper.

26One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

27One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the upright thrive.