1 Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them. 1 But those who do what is right are as bold as lions.
2 If a country has many rulers, its people don't obey. 2 But an understanding ruler knows how to keep order.
3 A ruler who beats poor people down 3 is like a pounding rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who turn away from the law praise sinners. 4 But those who obey the law oppose them.
5 Sinful people don't understand what is fair. 5 But those who worship the Lord understand it completely.
6 It is better to be poor and live without blame 6 than to be rich and follow a crooked path.
7 Children who obey the law understand what is right. 7 But those who like to eat too much bring shame on their parents.
8 Those who increase their wealth by charging high interest 8 pile it up for someone who will be kind to poor people.
9 If you don't pay attention to the law, 9 even your prayers are hated.
10 Those who lead honest people down an evil path 10 will fall into their own trap. 10 But those who are without blame 10 will receive good things.
11 Rich people may be wise in their own eyes. 11 But a poor person who understands what is right knows what they are really like.
12 When godly people win, everyone is very happy. 12 But when sinners take charge, everyone hides.
13 Those who hide their sins don't succeed. 13 But those who admit their sins and give them up find mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who always has respect for the Lord. 14 But stubborn people will get into trouble.
15 An evil person who rules over helpless people 15 is like a roaring lion or an angry bear.
16 A ruler who is mean to his people doesn't have any sense. 16 But anyone who hates money gained in the wrong way will enjoy a long life.
17 Those who are troubled because they are guilty of murder 17 will be on the run until the day they die. 17 No one should give them any help.
18 Those who live without blame are kept safe. 18 But those whose paths are crooked will suddenly fall.
19 Those who farm their land will have plenty of food. 19 But those who chase dreams will be very poor.
20 A faithful person will be richly blessed. 20 But anyone who wants to get rich will be punished.
21 Favoring one person over another is not good. 21 But some people will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 Those who won't share what they have want to get rich. 22 They don't know that they are going to be poor.
23 It is better to warn people than to pretend to praise them. 23 In the end they will be more pleased with you.
24 Those who steal from their parents and say, "It's not wrong," 24 are just like those who destroy.
25 Those who always want more stir up fights. 25 But those who trust in the Lord will succeed.
26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish. 26 But those who live wisely are kept safe.
27 Those who give to poor people 27 will have everything they need. 27 But those who close their eyes to the poor 27 will be under many curses.
28 When those who are evil take charge, other people hide. 28 But when those who are evil die, godly people grow stronger.
