The Boldness of the Righteous

¹ The wicked flee^* when no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

² A land in rebellion has many rulers,

but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

³ A destitute leader who oppresses the poor^*

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law resist them.

⁵ Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

⁶ Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

⁷ A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

⁸ He who increases his wealth by interest and usury

lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

⁹ Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,

even his prayer is detestable.

¹⁰ He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.^*

¹³ He who conceals his sins will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.^*

¹⁴ Blessed is the man who is always reverent,

but he 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 leader who lacks^* judgment is also a great oppressor,

but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

¹⁷ A man burdened^* by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;^*

let no one support him.

¹⁸ He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,

but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

¹⁹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies^* will have his fill of poverty.

²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

²¹ To show partiality is not good,

yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

²² A stingy man hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty awaits him.

²³ He who rebukes a man will later find more favor

than one who flatters with his tongue.

²⁴ He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”

is a companion to the 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 one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,

but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

²⁸ When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;

but when they perish, the righteous flourish.