18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

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18 The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 (A)The evil bow down before the good,
    the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 (B)The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
    (C)but the rich has many friends.
21 Whoever (D)despises his neighbor is a sinner,
    but (E)blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
22 Do they not go astray who (F)devise evil?
    Those who devise good meet[a] (G)steadfast love and faithfulness.
23 In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk (H)tends only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
    but the folly of fools brings folly.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:22 Or show