1The wrong shall flee though no one pursues, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2Because of transgression of a land, Many are its rulers; But by a man of understanding and knowledge, Right is maintained.

3A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the Torah praise the wrong, Those who guard the Torah strive with them.

5Evil men do not understand right-ruling, But those who seek יהוה understand all.

6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, who is rich.

7He who watches over the Torah is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

8He who increases his possessions by interest and profit Gathers it for him who shows favour to the poor.

9He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah, Even his prayer is an abominationa.

10He who causes the straight to go astray in an evil way, Falls into his own pit; But the perfect inherit the good.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12When the righteous exult, there is great comeliness; But when the wrong arise, a man is searched for.

13He who hides his transgressions does not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them finds compassion.

14Blessed is the man who always fears Elohim, But he who hardens his heart falls into evil.

15A roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wrongdoing ruler over poor people.

16A leader who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But the hater of greed prolongs his days.

17A man oppressed by blood-guilt flees into a pit; Let no one help him.

18He who walks blamelessly is saved, But the perverted of ways falls at once.

19He who tills his land is satisfied with bread, But he who pursues vanities is filled with poverty.

20A man of truth has many blessings, But one in a hurry to be rich does not go unpunished.

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

22A man with an evil eye runs after wealth, And does not know that poverty awaits him.

23He who reproves a man finds more favour afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24He who robs his father or his mother, And says, “It is no transgression,” He is a companion to a destroyer.

25He who is greedy stirs up strife, But he who trusts in יהוה prospers.

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

27He who gives to the poor does not lack, But he who hides his eyes does have many curses.

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