A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
    is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
    but those who heed it resist them.

Evildoers do not understand what is right,
    but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than the rich whose ways are perverse.(A)

A discerning son heeds instruction,
    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.(B)

Whoever increases wealth by taking interest(C) or profit from the poor
    amasses it for another,(D) who will be kind to the poor.(E)

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
    even their prayers are detestable.(F)

10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,(G)
    but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:3 Or A poor person

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