1 The wicked flee when none pursueth: but the righteous are bolde as a lyon. 2 For the transgression of the land there are many princes thereof: but by a man of vnderstanding and knowledge a realme likewise endureth long. 3 A poore man, if he oppresse the poore, is like a raging raine, that leaueth no foode. 4 They that forsake the Law, prayse the wicked: but they that keepe the Law, set themselues against them. 5 Wicked men vnderstand not iudgemnt: but they that seeke the Lord vnderstand all things. 6 Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse, then hee that peruerteth his wayes, though he be riche. 7 He that keepeth the Law, is a childe of vnderstanding: but hee that feedeth the gluttons, shameth his father. 8 He that increaseth his riches by vsurie and interest, gathereth them for him that will be mercifull vnto the poore. 9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the Law, euen his prayer shalbe abominable. 10 He that causeth the righteous to go astray by an euill way, shall fall into his owne pit, and the vpright shall inherite good things. 11 The riche man is wise in his owne conceite: but the poore that hath vnderstanding, can trie him. 12 When righteous men reioyce, there is great glory: but when the wicked come vp, the man is tried. 13 He that hideth his sinnes, shall not prosper: but he that confesseth, and forsaketh them, shall haue mercy. 14 Blessed is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into euill. 15 As a roaring lyon, and an hungry beare, so is a wicked ruler ouer the poore people. 16 A prince destitute of vnderstanding, is also a great oppressour: but hee that hateth couetousnes, shall prolong his dayes. 17 A man that doeth violence against the blood of a person, shall flee vnto the graue, and they shall not stay him. 18 He that walketh vprightly, shalbe saued: but he that is froward in his wayes, shall once fall. 19 He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth the idle, shall be filled with pouertie. 20 A faythfull man shall abound in blessings, and he that maketh haste to be riche, shall not be innocent. 21 To haue respect of persons is not good: for that man will transgresse for a piece of bread. 22 A man with a wicked eye hasteth to riches, and knoweth not, that pouertie shall come vpon him. 23 He that rebuketh a man, shall finde more fauour at length, then he that flattereth with his tongue. 24 Hee that robbeth his father and mother, and sayth, It is no transgression, is the companion of a man that destroyeth. 25 He that is of a proude heart, stirreth vp strife: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be fatte. 26 Hee that trusteth in his owne heart, is a foole: but he that walketh in wisdome, shall be deliuered. 27 He that giueth vnto the poore, shall not lacke: but he that hideth his eyes, shall haue many curses. 28 When the wicked rise vp, men hide them selues: but when they perish, ye righteous increase.
1 The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.
2 When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders.
3 Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.
4 If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.
5 Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
6 Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
7 Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents.
8 If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.
9 If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
10 If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap.
The innocent will be well rewarded.
11 Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.
12 When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.
13 You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.
14 Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined.
15 Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.
16 A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.
17 Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him.
18 Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
19 A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
20 Honest people will lead a full, happy life. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to be punished.
21 Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.
22 Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.
23 Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.
24 Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.
25 Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
26 It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.
27 Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.
28 People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.