15  Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16  A ruler who ⁱlacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,

but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

17  If one is burdened ^jwith the blood of another,

he will be a fugitive until death;¹

let no one help him.

18  Whoever ^kwalks in integrity will be delivered,

but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

19  ^lWhoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

20  A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but whoever ^mhastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

21  ⁿTo show partiality is not good,

but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

22  A stingy man² hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23  ^oWhoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor

than he who flatters with his tongue.

24  Whoever ^probs his ^qfather or his mother

and says, “That is no transgression,”

is a companion to a man who destroys.

25  A greedy man stirs up ^rstrife,

but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.

26  Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

27  ^sWhoever gives to the poor will not want,

but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

28  When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,

but when they perish, the righteous increase.