3
A poorman that oppresseth the poor is like a sweepingrain which leaveth no food.
4
They that forsake the lawpraise the wicked: but such as keep the lawcontend with them.
5
Evilmenunderstand not judgment: but they that seek the LORDunderstand all things.
6
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7
Whoso keepeth the law is a wiseson: but he that is a companion[a] of riotous men shameth his father.
8
He that by usury and unjust gainincreaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evilway, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
11
The richman is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12
When righteous men do rejoice, there is greatglory: but when the wickedrise, a man is hidden.[b]
13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
In this chapter we have a short history of the reign of Abijam, 1Ki 15:1-8 and of Asa, 1Ki 14:9-24, both kings of Judah; and of the reigns of Nadab the son of Jeroboam, and of Baasha, who destroyed his family, both kings of Israel, 1Ki 15:25-34.