Proverbs

³¹He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him. [Prov. 17:5; Matt. 25:40, 45.] ³²The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing and calamity, but the [consistently] righteous has hope and confidence even in death. ³³Wisdom rests [silently] in the mind and heart of him who has understanding, but that which is in the inward part of [self-confident] fools is made known. [Isa. 32:6.] ³⁴Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. ³⁵The king's favor is toward a wise and discreet servant, but his wrath is against him who does shamefully. [Matt. 24:45, 47.]