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Listen to this chapter • 3:49

[1] The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

[2] When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.

[3] A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.

[4] Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.

[5] Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.

[6] Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

[7] The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.

[8] Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

[9] If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

[10] Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.

[11] A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

[12] When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.

[13] Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

[14] Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

[15] Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

[16] A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

[17] If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.

[18] Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.

[19] Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

[20] A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

[21] To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

[22] A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

[23] Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

[24] Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “That is no transgression,” is a companion to a man who destroys.

[25] A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

[26] Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

[27] Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

[28] When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs — Chapters