1 The
wicked flee when no man pursueth:
but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 For 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 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 Better is the poor that walketh in his
uprightness,
than he that is perverse in his ways,
though he be rich.
7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:
but he that is a companion of riotous
men shameth his father.
8 He that by usury and 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 Whoso 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 The rich man is wise in his own
conceit;
but the poor that hath understanding
searcheth him out.
12 When righteous men do rejoice,
there is great glory:
but when the wicked rise,
a man is hidden.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not
prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them
shall have mercy.
14 Happy 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.
16 The 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 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be
saved:
but he that is perverse in his ways
shall fall at once.
19 He 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 To have respect of persons is not
good:
for for a piece of bread that man will
transgress.
22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an
evil eye,
and considereth not that poverty shall
come upon him.
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards
shall find more favour
than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 Whoso robbeth his father or his
mother,
and saith,
It is no transgression;
the same is the companion of a
destroyer.
25 He 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 whoso walketh wisely, he shall be
delivered.
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall
not lack:
but he that hideth his eyes shall have
many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise,
men hide themselves:
but when they perish,
the righteous increase.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible,
King James Version of 1611
