12. When the [uncompromisingly] righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; but when the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves.
13. He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. [Ps. 32:3, 5; I John 1:8-10.]
14. Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears [the Lord] at all times [regardless of circumstances], but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15. Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16. A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days.
17. If a man willfully sheds the blood of a person [and keeps the guilt of murder upon his conscience], he is fleeing to the pit (the grave) and hastening to his own destruction; let no man stop him!
18. He who walks uprightly shall be safe, but he who willfully goes in double and wrong ways shall fall in one of them.
19. He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless people and pursuits will have poverty enough.
20. A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished. [Prov. 13:11; 20:21; 23:4; I Tim. 6:9.]
21. To have respect of persons and to show partiality is not good, neither is it good that man should transgress for a piece of bread.
22. He who has an evil and covetous eye hastens to be rich and knows not that want will come upon him. [Prov. 21:5; 28:20.]
23. He who rebukes a man shall afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
24. Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, This is no sin–he is in the same class as [an open, lawless robber and] a destroyer.
25. He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed.