¶ The wicked¹ flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous² are bold as a lion.

¶ For the transgression³ of a land many are the princes thereof: but⁴ by a man⁵ of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

¶ A poor man⁶ that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food⁷.

¶ They that⁸ forsake the law praise the wicked: but⁹ such as keep the law contend with them.

¶¹⁰Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

¶¹¹Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

¶ Whoso keepeth¹² the law is a wise son: but¹³ he that is a companion of riotous men¹⁴ shameth his father.

¶ He that by¹⁵ usury and unjust gain¹⁶ increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity¹⁷ the poor.

¶ He that turneth¹⁸ away his ear from hearing the law, even¹⁹ his prayer shall be abomination.

¶ Whoso causeth²⁰ the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall²¹ fall himself into his own pit: but²² the upright shall have good things in possession.

¶ The rich²³ man is wise in his own conceit²⁴; but the poor²⁵ that hath understanding searcheth him out.

¶ When righteous²⁶ men do rejoice, there is great glory: but²⁷ when the wicked rise, a man is hidden²⁸.

¶ He that²⁹ covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso³⁰ confesseth and forsaketh³¹ them shall have mercy.

¶ Happy³² is the man that feareth alway: but³³ he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

¶ As a roaring³⁴ lion, and a ranging³⁵ bear; so³⁶ is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

¶ The prince³⁷ that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that³⁸ hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

¶³⁹A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

¶ Whoso walketh⁴⁰ uprightly shall be saved: but⁴¹ he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

¶ He that tilleth⁴² his land shall have plenty of bread: but⁴³ he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

¶ A faithful⁴⁴ man shall abound with blessings: but⁴⁵ he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent⁴⁶.

¶ To have respect⁴⁷ of persons is not good: for⁴⁸ for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

¶ He that hasteth⁴⁹ to be rich hath an evil⁵⁰ eye, and⁵¹ considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

¶⁵²He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

¶ Whoso robbeth⁵³ his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same⁵⁴ is the companion of a destroyer⁵⁵.

¶ He that is⁵⁶ of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth⁵⁷ his trust in the LORD shall be made⁵⁸ fat.

¶ He that⁵⁹ trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but⁶⁰ whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

¶ He that giveth⁶¹ unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth⁶² his eyes shall⁶³ have many a curse.

¶ When the wicked⁶⁴ rise, men hide⁶⁵ themselves: but when they perish⁶⁶, the righteous increase.