Proverbs

¹²When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. ¹³Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. ¹⁴Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. ¹⁵Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. ¹⁶A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign. ¹⁷Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back. ¹⁸The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.