Proverbs

¹The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion. ²In rebellion, 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 law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them. ⁵Evil men don’t understand justice; but those who seek the LORD 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 law 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 hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. ¹⁰Whoever causes the upright to go astray 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 righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. ¹³He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 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 blood guilt will be a fugitive until death. 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 do wrong for a piece of bread. ²²A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him. ²³One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue. ²⁴Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is a partner with a destroyer. ²⁵One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD 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 righteous thrive.