Proverbs

28 The lawless fleeth when no man pursueth, But the righteous like a lion are confident.

2 For the transgressions of a land many are the rulers thereof, But under an intelligent and discerning man stability is prolonged.

3 A poor man who oppresseth the helpless [Is like] a rain beating down leaving no food.

4 They who forsake instruction praise one who is lawless, While they who keep instruction are at strife with them.

5 Wicked men consider not justice, But they who seek Yahweh consider everything.

6 Better a poor man walking in his integrity, Than one who is crooked—turning two ways though he be rich.

7 He that keepeth instruction is a son with discernment, But a companion of squanderers bringeth shame to his father.

8 He that increaseth his substance by interest and profit, For one ready to favour the poor doth gather it.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing instruction Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 He that misguideth the upright into a hurtful way Into his own pit he himself shall fall, But men of integrity shall inherit good.

11 Wise in his own eyes is the man that is rich, But a poor man of discernment searcheth him out.

12 In the exulting of the righteous there is great glorying, But when the lawless arise a man must be sought for.

13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper, But he that confesseth and forsaketh shall find compassion.

14 How happy the man who is ever circumspect, Whereas he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into calamity.

15 A growling lion and a ranging bear Is a lawless ruler over a poor people.

16 A leader may lack intelligence yet abound in oppressions, The hater of greed shall lengthen out days.

17 A man oppressed with a person’s blood Unto a pit shall flee, let them not hold him back.

18 He that walketh with integrity shall be saved, But he that is crooked turning two ways shall fall in one.

19 He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread, But he that pursueth empty-heads shall have plenty of poverty.

20 A man of fidelity aboundeth in blessings, But one hasting to be rich shall not be held innocent.

21 To take note of faces [in judgment] is not good, And for a bit of bread a man will transgress.

22 A man hasting to be rich hath an evil eye, And knoweth not when want may overtake him.

23 He that reproveth a man shall afterwards find more favour, Than he that useth a flattering tongue.

24 He that robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression Companion is he to one who wasteth.

25 The ambitious in soul stirreth up strife, But he that trusteth in Yahweh shall be enriched.

26 He that trusteth his own heart the same is a dullard, But he that walketh wisely the same shall be delivered.

27 One who giveth to the poor shall have no want, But he that hideth his eyes shall receive many a curse.

28 When lawless men rise a common man will hide himself, But when they perish righteous men multiply.