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.
But — By a wise and good prince.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
It like — Is like a violent rain or flood, which washes away the very seeds in the earth. He is the worst of all oppressors.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Contend — Are so far from praising them, that they severely reprove them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Judgment — What is just and right.
All things — Which are necessary to be known by them.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better — In a much happier condition.
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.
Causeth — That by evil counsel, or example, or artifice, draws them into evil.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
Rejoice — Are promoted.
Glory — In that common-wealth.
Rise — Are advanced to authority.
Hidden — Wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, withdraw themselves into obscure places.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Alway — In all times, companies, and conditions.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Oppressor — The tyranny of a prince, is a manifest sign of folly.
Prolong — By God's favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Violence — That sheddeth any man's blood.
Shall flee — Shall speedily be destroyed.
Shall slay — None should desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punishment.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
At once — Once for all; so he shall never rise more.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Faithful — Who deals truly and justly in all his transactions.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
For — When a man hath once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Evil eye — Is uncharitable to persons in want, and envious to those who get any thing besides him.
Poverty — And consequently that he shall need the pity and help of others.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
The same — Is a thief and robber.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Fat — Shall live happily and comfortably.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Wisely — Distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Men — Righteous men are afraid to appear publickly.
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.
But — By a wise and good prince.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
It like — Is like a violent rain or flood, which washes away the very seeds in the earth. He is the worst of all oppressors.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Contend — Are so far from praising them, that they severely reprove them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Judgment — What is just and right.
All things — Which are necessary to be known by them.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better — In a much happier condition.
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.
Causeth — That by evil counsel, or example, or artifice, draws them into evil.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
Rejoice — Are promoted.
Glory — In that common-wealth.
Rise — Are advanced to authority.
Hidden — Wise and good men, who only are worthy of the name of men, withdraw themselves into obscure places.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Alway — In all times, companies, and conditions.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Oppressor — The tyranny of a prince, is a manifest sign of folly.
Prolong — By God's favour, the peace and satisfaction of his own mind, and the hearty love of his people.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Violence — That sheddeth any man's blood.
Shall flee — Shall speedily be destroyed.
Shall slay — None should desire or endeavour to save him from his deserved punishment.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
At once — Once for all; so he shall never rise more.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Faithful — Who deals truly and justly in all his transactions.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
For — When a man hath once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Evil eye — Is uncharitable to persons in want, and envious to those who get any thing besides him.
Poverty — And consequently that he shall need the pity and help of others.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
The same — Is a thief and robber.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Fat — Shall live happily and comfortably.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Wisely — Distrusting his own judgment, and seeking the advice of others, and especially of God.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Men — Righteous men are afraid to appear publickly.