8. Whoever increases his wealth by exorbitant interest, gathers it for one kinder to the poor.
9. One who turns his ear from hearing Torah —even his prayer is an abomination.
10. One who leads the upright astray along an evil path will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.
11. A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor person sees through him.
12. When the righteous triumph there is great glory, but when the wicked rise to power, people hide.
13. One who covers up his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them finds mercy.
14. Blessed is one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15. Like a roaring lion or a prowling bear is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16. An oppressive leader lacks judgment. One who hates unjust gain will prolong his life.
17. A man tormented by the guilt of murder flees to the Pit—let no one support him.
18. Whoever walks blamelessly will be safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will fall suddenly.
19. Whoever works his land will be satisfied with food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20. A faithful man will have many blessings, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21. To show partiality is not good— yet for a piece of bread a man may do wrong.
22. A stingy man chases after riches, but does not know that poverty will overtake him.
23. One who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor than one with a flattering tongue.
24. Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not a crime,” is a partner to him who destroys.