✧The 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 a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged. ✧3A poor 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 judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things]. ✧6Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, 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 riotous [men] shameth his father. ✧8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. ✧9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination. ✧10Whoso 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. ✧11The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. ✧12When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. ✧13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have 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 the poor people. ✧16The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days. ✧17A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. ✧18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: 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 innocent. ✧21To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress. ✧22He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. ✧23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour 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 proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD 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.