1The 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.