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 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 T hey that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5 E vil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

6 B etter is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, 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 riotous men shameth his father.

8 H e that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 H e that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 W hoso 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 T he rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 W hen righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 H e that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have 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 the poor people.

16 T he 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 W hoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: 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 innocent.

21 T o have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 H e that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

23 H e that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour 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 proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord 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.