1The wicked flee when no man pursueth;
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof;
But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3A needy man that oppresseth the poor
Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked;
But such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men understand not justice;
But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,
Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son;
But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.
8He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase,
Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He shall fall himself into his own pit;
But the perfect shall inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit;
But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper;
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway;
But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,
So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor;
But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that is laden with the blood of any person
Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered;
But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread;
But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings;
But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
21To have respect of persons is not good;
Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
22He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches,
And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor
Than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression,
The same is the companion of a destroyer.
25He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife;
But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool;
But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack;
But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Public Domain
