[15] Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. [16] A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign. [17] Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back. [18] The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit. [19] Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. [20] A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. [21] To show partiality is not good—yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. [22] The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them. [23] Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue. [24] Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys. [25] The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper. [26] Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. [27] Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. [28] When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
