Read the Bible

The Boldness of the Righteous

¹ The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

² A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

³ A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.

⁵ Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

⁶ Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

⁷ A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

⁸ He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for another, who will be kind to the poor.

⁹ Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

¹⁰ He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

¹³ He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

¹⁴ Blessed is the man who is always reverent^(a), but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

¹⁶ A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

¹⁷ A man burdened by bloodguilt will be a fugitive until death^(a); let no one support him.

¹⁸ He who walks with integrity will be delivered, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

¹⁹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

²¹ To show partiality is not good, because a man may sin for a piece of bread.

²² A stingy man^(a) hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.

²³ He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

²⁴ He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.

²⁵ A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

²⁸ When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.