1Wicked people run away even when no one is chasing them, but righteous people are as brave as a lion.
2When a country rebels, it has many rulers, but a man with understanding and knowledge keeps it stable.
3A poor leader who oppresses other poor people is like a heavy rain that destroys all the crops.
4Those who ignore the law praise wicked people, but those who follow the law argue against them.
5Evil people don't understand justice, but those who seek Yahweh understand it completely.
6It is better to be poor and live with integrity than to be rich and dishonest in your ways.
7Whoever obeys the law is a wise child, but anyone who associates with gluttons brings shame to their father.
8Someone who gets rich by charging excessive interest gathers wealth for someone else who will be kind to the poor.
9If someone refuses to listen to the law, even their prayers are disgusting to God.
10Whoever leads upright people into an evil path will fall into their own trap, but blameless people will receive good things.
11A rich person thinks they are wise, but a poor person with understanding sees right through them.
12When righteous people succeed, there is great celebration, but when wicked people come to power, everyone hides.
13The person who hides their sins will not succeed, but whoever admits and turns away from them will receive mercy.
14Blessed is the person who always shows respect and caution; but someone who becomes stubborn will face trouble.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16A tyrannical ruler lacks good judgment. Someone who hates dishonest gain will live a long life.
17A person burdened by guilt for a violent crime will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.
18Whoever lives without fault is kept safe; but someone with twisted ways will suddenly fall.
19Anyone who works their land will have plenty of food; but someone who chases unrealistic dreams will end up in poverty.
20A trustworthy person receives many blessings; but someone who is eager to get rich will not escape punishment.
21Showing favor to some people over others is not good; yet, a person will do wrong for even a small reward.
22A stingy person rushes to get rich, and doesn’t realize that poverty is waiting for them.
23Someone who corrects another person will later find more favor than someone who flatters with their words.
24Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is an accomplice to a destructive person.
25A greedy person causes arguments; but someone who trusts in Yahweh will succeed.
26Someone who trusts in themselves is a fool; but someone who lives wisely is kept safe.
27Anyone who gives to the poor will not lack anything; but someone who ignores the poor will receive many curses.
28When wicked people come to power, people hide; but when they are gone, righteous people thrive.