1 T he wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 F or the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 T hey that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

5 E vil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.

6 B etter is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 W hoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

8 H e that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.

9 H e that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 W hoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.

11 T he rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 W hen the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 H e that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

14 H appy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 A s a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 T he prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

18 W hoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 H e 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 unpunished.

21 T o have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

22 h e that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

23 H e that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 W hoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, The same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 H e that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

26 H e that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 H e that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 W hen the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.