28 The wicked flee when no
man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 For the transgression of a land many
are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the
state thereof shall be prolonged. 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor
is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the
wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judgment: but
they that seek the LORD understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in
his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:
but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth
his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing
the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go
astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the
upright shall have good things in possession. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit;
but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. 12 When righteous men do rejoice, there
is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not
prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14
Happy 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 the poor people. 16 The
prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that
hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. 17 A man
that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let
no man stay him. 18 Whoso
walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall
fall at once. 19 He
that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth
after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful
man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall
not be innocent. 21 To
have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will
transgress. 22 He
that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty
shall come upon him. 23 He
that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth
with the tongue. 24 Whoso
robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the
same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He
that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust
in the LORD shall be made fat. 26 He
that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall
be delivered. 27 He
that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall
have many a curse. 28 When
the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous
increase.