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. (Proverbs 28:1-28 AV)
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