[1] The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. [2] When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. [3] A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. [4] Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. [5] Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. [6] Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. [7] A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. [8] Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. [9] If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. [10] Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. [11] The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are. [12] When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. [13] Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. [14] Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
