1The wicked flee when no man pursueth : but the righteous are bold as a lion . 2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged . 3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food . 4They that forsake the law praise the wicked : but such as keep the law contend with them. 5Evil men understand not judgment : but they that seek the LORD understand all things .
The Consequences of Oppression
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness , than he that is perverse in his ways , though he be rich . 7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son : but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father . 8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance , he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor . 9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law , even his prayer shall be abomination . 10Whoso 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 .
The Importance of Wisdom and Understanding
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit ; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out . 12When righteous men do rejoice , there is great glory : but when the wicked rise , a man is hidden . 13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy . 14Happy is the man that feareth alway : but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief .
The Role of Wealth and Generosity
15As a roaring lion , and a ranging bear ; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people . 16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor : but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days . 17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit ; let no man stay him. 18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved : but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once . 19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread : but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough . 20A faithful man shall abound with blessings : but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent .
The Call to Repentance and Humility
21To have respect of persons is not good : for for a piece of bread that man will transgress . 22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye , and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. 23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue . 24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother , and saith , It is no transgression ; the same is the companion of a destroyer . 25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife : but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat . 26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool : but whoso walketh wisely , he shall be delivered . 27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack : but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse . 28When the wicked rise , men hide themselves: but when they perish , the righteous increase .