28 The wicked run away when no one’s even chasing them,

^ but the godly person is as confident as a lion.

2 A country in rebellion has many rulers,

^ but an understanding man who know’s what’s right will last long.

3 Someone who’s poor but oppresses other poor people,

is like driving rain when you have nothing to eat.

4 Those who’ve abandoned the law, praise the wicked,

^ but those who keep the law strive against them.

5 Evil people don’t understand justice,

^ but those who strive after Yahweh, understand everything.

6 A poor person with integrity

^ is better than someone who’s rich but crooked.

7 A sensible child follows Yahweh’s instructions,

^ but those who carouse with gluttons, shame their father.

8 The person who increases their wealth by charging interest and by overcharging,

gathers it but it’ll end up going to someone who’s kind to the poor.

9 A person who turns their ear away from hearing Yahweh’s instructions,

→ even their prayers are detestable.

10 The one who leads good people astray will fall into their own pit,

^ but those who are blameless will inherit good.

11 Rich people see themself as wise,

^ but a poor person with understanding, sees right through them.

12 When godly people triumph, there’s great celebration,

^ but when it’s the wicked, people hide.

13 Someone covering their faults won’t prosper,

^ but the one who confesses and then abandons their bad behaviour, will be shown mercy.

14 The person who strives to allows obey Yahweh will be blessed,

^ but the one who firmly resists will fall into trouble.

15 A wicked ruler over struggling people,

is like a lion roaring or a bear attacking.

16 A ruler lacking understanding can become an oppressor.

The person who hates dishonest gain will have a longer life.

17 A man tormented by the killing of another will flee to the pit.

Don’t let anyone support him.

18 The person with blameless behaviour will be rescued,

^ but the crooked one will suddenly fall.

19 The person working their land will have enough food,

^ but those wasting their time will have their fill of poverty.

20 A faithful person will have great blessing,

^ but the one trying to get rich quick won’t go unpunished.

21 It’s not good to show partiality,

yet a person will break the rules for a piece of bread.

22 Those who rush to get wealthy are greedy,

^ but they don’t realise that poverty will come to them.

23 If you correct another person, you’ll be appreciated in the end

more than someone who just says what they wanted to hear.

24 People who rob their parents and say they’ve done nothing wrong

are in the same class as those who are destructive.

25 Greedy people stir up strife,

^ but the one who trusts Yahweh will prosper.

26 The person who trusts their own plans is a fool,

^ but the one who walks with wisdom will be rescued.

27 Those who give to the poor will have all they need,

^ but the one who just looks away will receive many curses.

28 When wicked people come to power, everyone hides,

^ but when they die, godly people increase.