Chapter 28

The 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.