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 its princes: but by a man of understanding and knowledge its state shall be prolonged. by…: or, by men of understanding and wisdom shall they likewise be prolonged
3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. which…: Heb. without 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 is rich.
7 He who keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father. is a companion…: or, feedeth gluttons
8 He that by interest and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. unjust…: Heb. by increase
9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10 Whoever 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. own…: Heb. eyes
12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. hidden: or, sought for
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: 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 lacketh 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 sustain him.
18 He who 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. innocent: or, unpunished
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22 He that hasteneth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. hasteth…: or, hath an evil eye hasteth to be rich
23 He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favour 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 a destroyer. a destroyer: Heb. a man destroying
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 whoever walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27 He that giveth to the poor shall not want: 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.