Proverbs
2 When there is transgression* in the land, it will have one prince after another,+
But with the help of a man of discernment and knowledge, a prince* will long endure.+
3 A poor man who defrauds the lowly+
Is like a rain that sweeps away all the food.
4 Those who abandon the law praise the wicked one,
But those who observe the law are indignant with them.+
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
Than a rich man whose ways are corrupt.+
7 An understanding son observes the law,
But a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.+
8 The one who increases his wealth by interest+ and usury
Amasses it for the one who shows favor to the poor.+
10 The one misleading the upright into an evil course will fall into his own pit,+
But the blameless will inherit what is good.+
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
But when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.+
13 The one covering over his transgressions will not succeed,+
But whoever confesses and abandons them will be shown mercy.+
15 Like a growling lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.+
16 A leader without discernment abuses his power,+
But the one hating dishonest profit will prolong his life.+
17 A man burdened with bloodguilt for taking someone’s life* will keep fleeing until the grave.*+
Let no one support him.
18 The one walking faultlessly will be saved,+
But the one whose ways are crooked will suddenly fall.+
19 The one cultivating his ground will have plenty of bread,
But the one taking up worthless pursuits will have his fill of poverty.+
20 A faithful man will receive many blessings,+
But the one hastening to get rich will not remain innocent.+
21 It is not good to show partiality;+
But a man might do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 An envious* man is eager for wealth,
Not knowing that poverty will overtake him.
23 Whoever reproves a man+ will afterward find more favor+
Than someone who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father and mother and says, “It is not wrong,”+
Is a partner of the man who causes ruin.+
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,+
But the one who closes his eyes to them will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, a man hides himself,
But when they perish, the righteous increase.+