¹ 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.