²³ Know well the condition of your flock,^(A)
and pay attention to your herds,
²⁴ for wealth is not forever;^(B)
not even a crown lasts for all time.
²⁵ When hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grain from the hills is gathered in,
²⁶ lambs will provide your clothing,
and goats, the price of a field;
²⁷ there will be enough goat’s milk for your food—
food for your household
and nourishment for your female servants.^(C)

28 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them,^(A)
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.^(B)

² When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers,^(C)
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

³ A destitute leader^[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.^(D)

⁴ Those who reject the law praise the wicked,^(E)
but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.^(F)

⁵ The evil do not understand justice,^(G)
but those who seek the Lord understand everything.^(H)

⁶ Better the poor person who lives with integrity^(I)
than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.^[b](J)