2. When a land rebels, there are many leaders;but a person with understanding brings order.
3. Poor people who oppress the needyare rain that washes away food.
4. Those who abandon Instruction praise the wicked,but those who follow Instruction battle them.
5. Evil people don’t understand justice,but those who seek the Lord understand everything.
6. Better to be poor and walk in innocencethan to be on crooked paths and wealthy.
7. Intelligent children follow Instruction,but those who befriend gluttons shame their parents.
8. Those who become rich through high interest ratesgather money for those who are generous to the poor.
9. Those who turn their ears from hearing Instruction—even their prayers will be detested.
10. Whoever misleads those who do right onto an evil pathwill fall into their own pit,but the blameless will inherit good things.
11. Rich people think they are wise,but an insightful poor person sees through them.
12. When the righteous rejoice, there is great respect,but people hide when the wicked prosper.
13. Those who hide their sins won’t succeed,but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.
14. Happy are those who are continually fearful,but those whose hearts are hard fall into trouble.
15. A wicked ruler over the pooris like a growling lion or a prowling bear.
16. A prince without understanding is a cruel oppressor,but one who hates unjust gain will live long.