The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will find mercy. A faithful person abounds with blessings.
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 .