|
|
|
| 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. |
The wicked run away when no one is chasing
them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability. 3 A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. 4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. 5 Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely. 6 It is better to be poor and honest than rich and crooked. 7 Young people who obey the law are wise; those who seek out worthless companions bring shame to their parents. 8 A person who makes money by charging interest will lose it. It will end up in the hands of someone who is kind to the poor. 9 The prayers of a person who ignores the law are despised. 10 Those who lead the upright into sin will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. 11 Rich people picture themselves as wise, but their real poverty is evident to the poor. 12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. 13 People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. 14 Blessed are those who have a tender conscience, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. 15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a lion or bear attacking them. 16 Only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a king will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes. 17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him! 18 The honest will be rescued from harm, but those who are crooked will be destroyed. 19 Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty. 20 The trustworthy will get a rich reward. But the person who wants to get rich quick will only get into trouble. 21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for something as small as a piece of bread. 22 A greedy person tries to get rich quick, but it only leads to poverty. 23 In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery. 24 Robbing your parents and then saying, “What’s wrong with that?” is as serious as committing murder. 25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity. 26 Trusting oneself is foolish, but those who walk in wisdom are safe. 27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty. 28 When the wicked take charge, people hide. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly multiply. |