Proverbs

1The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread.

2For the sins of the land many are the princes thereof: and for the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the prince shall be prolonged.

3A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a violent shower, which bringeth a famine.

4They that forsake the law, praise the wicked man: they that keep it, are incensed against him.

5Evil men think not on judgment: but they that seek after the Lord, take notice of all things.

6Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways.

7He that keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.

8He that heapeth together riches by usury and loan, gathereth them for him that will be bountiful to the poor.

9He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as abomination.

10He that deceiveth the just in a wicked way, shall fall in his own destruction: and the upright shall possess his goods.

11The rich man seemeth to himself wise: but the poor man that is prudent shall search him out.

12In the joy of the just there is great glory: when the wicked reign, men are ruined.

13He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.

14Blessed is the man that is always fearful: but he that is hardened in mind, shall fall into evil.

15As a roaring lion, and a hungry bear, so is a wicked prince over the poor people.

16A prince void of prudence shall oppress many by calumny: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days.

17A man that doth violence to the blood of a person, if he flee even to the pit, no man will stay him.

18He that walketh uprightly, shall be saved: he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19He that tilleth his ground, shall be filled with bread: but he that followeth idleness shall be filled with poverty.

20A faithful man shall be much praised: but he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.

21He that hath respect to a person in judgment, doth not well: such a man even for a morsel of bread forsaketh the truth.

22A man, that maketh haste to be rich, and envieth others, is ignorant that poverty shall come upon him.

23He that rebuketh a man, shall afterward find favour with him, more than he that by a flattering tongue deceiveth him.

24He that stealeth any thing from his father, or from his mother: and saith, This is no sin, is the partner of a murderer.

25He that boasteth, and puffeth up himself, stirreth up quarrels: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be healed.

26He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely, he shall be saved.

27He that giveth to the poor, shall not want: he that despiseth his entreaty, shall suffer indigence.

28When the wicked rise up, men shall hide themselves: when they perish, the lust shall be multiplied.

The Boldness of the Righteous

1The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2A land in rebellion has many rulers,but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3A destitute leader who oppresses the pooris like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,but those who keep the law resist them.

5Evil men do not understand justice,but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

6Better a poor man who walks with integritythan a rich man whose ways are perverse.

7A discerning son keeps the law,but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8He who increases his wealth by interest and usurylays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,even his prayer is detestable.

10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13He who conceals his sins will not prosper,but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

14Blessed is the man who is always reverent,but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bearis a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;let no one support him.

18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19The one who works his land will have plenty of food,but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings,but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good,yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22A stingy manhastens after wealthand does not know that poverty awaits him.

23He who rebukes a man will later find more favorthan one who flatters with his tongue.

24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”is a companion to the man who destroys.

25A greedy man stirs up strife,but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26He who trusts in himself is a fool,but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;but when they perish, the righteous flourish.