28 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
    but the godly are as bold as lions.

² When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
    But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

³ A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

⁴ To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
    to obey the law is to fight them.

⁵ Evil people don’t understand justice,
    but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

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

⁷ Young people who obey the law are wise;
    those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.^[a]

⁸ Income from charging high interest rates
    will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

⁹ God detests the prayers
    of a person who ignores the law.

¹⁰ Those who lead good people along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,
    but the honest will inherit good things.

¹¹ Rich people may think they are wise,
    but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

¹² When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
    When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

¹³ People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
    but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

¹⁴ Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,^[b]
    but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

¹⁵ A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
    as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

¹⁶ A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
    but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

¹⁷ A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
    Don’t protect him!

¹⁸ The blameless will be rescued from harm,
    but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

¹⁹ A hard worker has plenty of food,
    but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

²⁰ The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
    but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

²¹ Showing partiality is never good,
    yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

²² Greedy people try to get rich quick
    but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

²³ In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
    far more than flattery.

²⁴ Anyone who steals from his father and mother
    and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
    is no better than a murderer.

²⁵ Greed causes fighting;
    trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

²⁶ Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
    but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
    but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

²⁸ When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
    When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

How good to sing praises to our God!
    How delightful and how fitting!
² The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem
    and bringing the exiles back to Israel.
³ He heals the brokenhearted
    and bandages their wounds.
⁴ He counts the stars
    and calls them all by name.
⁵ How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
    His understanding is beyond comprehension!
⁶ The Lord supports the humble,
    but he brings the wicked down into the dust.

⁷ Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
    sing praises to our God with a harp.
⁸ He covers the heavens with clouds,
    provides rain for the earth,
    and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.
⁹ He gives food to the wild animals
    and feeds the young ravens when they cry.
¹⁰ He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
    or in human might.
¹¹ No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
    those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

¹² Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem!
    Praise your God, O Zion!
¹³ For he has strengthened the bars of your gates
    and blessed your children within your walls.
¹⁴ He sends peace across your nation
    and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat.
¹⁵ He sends his orders to the world—
    how swiftly his word flies!
¹⁶ He sends the snow like white wool;
    he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
¹⁷ He hurls the hail like stones.^[a]
    Who can stand against his freezing cold?
¹⁸ Then, at his command, it all melts.
    He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
¹⁹ He has revealed his words to Jacob,
    his decrees and regulations to Israel.
²⁰ He has not done this for any other nation;
    they do not know his regulations.

Praise the Lord!