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 A young man who obeys the law is intelligent. One who makes friends with good-for-nothings is a disgrace to his father.
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.