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²⁵When the hay is mown, and the tender grass showeth itself,

And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in;

²⁶The lambs will be for thy clothing,

And the goats the price for a field.

²⁷And there will be goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household;

And maintenance for thy maidens.

28 The wicked flee when no man pursueth;

But the righteous are secure as a young lion.

 

²For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof;

But by a man of understanding and knowledge established order shall long continue.

 

³A poor man that oppresseth the weak

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 justice;

But they that seek the Lord understand all things.

 

⁶Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,

Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

 

⁷A wise son observeth the teaching;

But he that is a companion of gluttonous men shameth his father.

 

⁸He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase,

Gathereth it for him that is gracious to the poor.

 

⁹He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,

Even his prayer is an abomination.

 

¹⁰Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way,

He shall fall himself into his own pit;

But the whole-hearted shall inherit good.

 

¹¹The rich man is wise in his own eyes;

But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him through.

 

¹²When the righteous exult, there is great glory;

But when the wicked rise, men must be sought for.

 

¹³He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper;

But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

 

¹⁴Happy is the man that feareth alway;

But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.

 

¹⁵As a roaring lion, and a ravenous bear;

So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

 

¹⁶The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor;

But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

 

¹⁷A man that is laden with the blood of any person

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