Read the Bible

¹ The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.

² When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders.

³ Someone in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crops.

⁴ If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.

⁵ Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.

⁶ Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.

⁷ Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents.

⁸ If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.

⁹ If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.

¹⁰ If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap.

The innocent will be well rewarded.

¹¹ Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.

¹² When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.

¹³ You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.

¹⁴ Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined.

¹⁵ Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.

¹⁶ A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.

¹⁷ Someone guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don't try to stop him.

¹⁸ Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.

¹⁹ A hard-working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.

²⁰ Honest people will lead a full, happy life. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, you are going to be punished.

²¹ Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.

²² Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.

²³ Correct someone, and afterward he will appreciate it more than flattery.

²⁴ Anyone who thinks it isn't wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.

²⁵ Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.

²⁶ It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of wiser people.

²⁷ Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.

²⁸ People stay in hiding when the wicked come to power. But when they fall from power, the righteous will rule again.