Geneva Study Bible The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. The wicked {a} flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
(a) Because their own conscience accuses them. 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. For the transgression of a land {b} many are its princes: but by a man of understanding and knowledge its state shall be prolonged.
(b) The state of the commonwealth is often changed. A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. He that by interest and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather {c} it for him that will pity the poor.
(c) For God will take away the wicked usurer, and give his goods to him that will bestow them well. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be {d} abomination.
(d) Because it is not of faith which is grounded on God's word or law which the wicked contemn. 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. 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.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor man that hath understanding searcheth {e} him out.
(e) And judge that he is not wise. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man {f} is hidden.
(f) He is known by his doings to be wicked. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Happy is the man that {g} feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
(g) Which stands in awe of God, and is afraid to offend him. As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is {h} a wicked ruler over the poor people.
(h) For he can never be satisfied but always oppresses and spoils. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man {i} sustain him.
(i) No one will be able to deliver him. Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of {k} bread that man will transgress.
(k) He will be abused for nothing. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. He that hasteneth to be rich hath an evil {l} eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
(l) Meaning, he that is covetous. He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made {m} fat.
(m) Will have all things in abundance. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. The Geneva Bible Translation Notes [1599] Bible Hub |
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