The Wicked and the Righteous

281 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing , But the righteous are bold as a lion .

2 By the transgression of a land many are its princes , But by a man of understanding and knowledge , so it endures .

3 A poor man who oppresses the lowly Is like a driving rain which leaves no food .

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked , But those who keep the law strive with them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice , But those who seek the Lord understand all things .

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked e though he be rich .

7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son , But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father .

8 He who increases his wealth by interest and usury Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor .

9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law , Even his prayer is an abomination .

10 He who leads the upright astray in an evil way Will himself fall into his own pit , But the blameless will inherit good .

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes , But the poor who has understanding sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph , there is great glory , But when the wicked rise , men hide themselves.

13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper , But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion .

14 How blessed is the man who fears always , But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity .

15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people .

16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding , But he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days .

17 A man who is laden with the guilt of human blood Will be a fugitive until death ; let no one support him.

18 He who walks blamelessly will be delivered , But he who is crooked e will fall all at once .

19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food , But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty .

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings , But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished .

21 To show partiality e is not good , Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress .

22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue .

24 He who robs his father or his mother And says , "It is not a transgression ," Is the companion of a man who destroys .

25 An arrogant man stirs up strife , But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper .

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool , But he who walks wisely will be delivered .

27 He who gives to the poor will never want , But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses .

28 When the wicked rise , men hide themselves; But when they perish , the righteous increase .