1   The ^note wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2   For the transgression of a land many are its princes: but ^note 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 ^note 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    ^noteBetter is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.

7    ^noteHe who keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that ^note is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8    ^noteHe that by usury and ^note 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    ^noteWhoever 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.

Before CHRIST, 700.

11   The rich man is wise ^note in his own conceit; but the poor man that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12    ^noteWhen righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is ^note hidden.

13   He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14   Happy is the man that feareth always: ^note 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    ^noteA man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18    ^noteHe who walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19    ^noteHe 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: ^note but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be ^note innocent.

21    ^noteTo have respect of persons is not good: for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

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

23    ^noteHe that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24   He that robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of ^note a destroyer.

25    ^noteHe 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 whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27    ^noteHe that giveth to the poor shall not want: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28    ^noteWhen the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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