1. The wicked (a) flee when none pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
(a) Because their own conscience accuses them.
2. For the transgression of the land (b) there are many princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge a realm likewise endureth long.
(b) The state of the commonwealth is often changed.
3. A poor man, if he oppress the poor, is like a raging rain, that leaveth no food.
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4. They that forsake the Law, praise the wicked: but they that keep the Law, set themselves against them.
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5. Wicked men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.
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6. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that perverteth his ways, though he be rich.
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7. He that keepeth the Law, is a child of understanding: but he that feedeth the gluttons, shameth his father.
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8. He that increaseth his riches by usury and interest, gathereth (c) them for him that will be merciful unto the poor.
(c) For God will take away the wicked usurer, and give his goods to him that will bestow them well.
9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be (d) abominable.
(d) Because it is not of faith which is grounded on God's word or law which the wicked contemn.
10. He that causeth the righteous to go astray by an evil way, shall fall into his own pit, and the upright shall inherit good things.
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11. The rich man is wise in his own conceit: but the poor that hath understanding, can try (e) him.
(e) And judge that he is not wise.
12. When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked come up, the man is (f) tried.
(f) He is known by his doings to be wicked.
13. He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that confesseth, and forsaketh them, shall have mercy.
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14. Blessed is the man that (g) feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart, shall fall into evil.
(g) Which stands in awe of God, and is afraid to offend him.
15. As a roaring lion, and an hungry bear, so is (h) a wicked ruler over the poor people.
(h) For he can never be satisfied but always oppresses and spoils.
16. A prince destitute of understanding, is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness, shall prolong his days.
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17. A man that doeth violence against the blood of a person, shall flee unto the grave, and they shall not (i) stay him.
(i) No one will be able to deliver him.
18. He that walketh uprightly, shall be saved: but he that is froward in his ways, shall once fall.
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19. He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth the idle, shall be filled with poverty.
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20. A faithful man shall abound in blessings, and he that maketh haste to be rich, shall not be innocent.
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21. To have respect of persons is not good: for that man will transgress for a (k) piece of bread.
(k) He will be abused for nothing.
22. A man with a wicked (l) eye hasteth to riches, and knoweth not, that poverty shall come upon him.
(l) Meaning, he that is covetous.
23. He that rebuketh a man, shall find more favor at length, than he that flattereth with his tongue.
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24. He that robbeth his father and mother, and saith, It is no transgression, is the companion of a man that destroyeth.
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25. He that is of a proud heart, stirreth up strife: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be (m) fat.
(m) Will have all things in abundance.
26. He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh in wisdom, shall be delivered.
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27. He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes, shall have many curses.
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28. When the wicked rise up, men hide themselves: but when they perish, ye righteous increase.
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