_There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their filthiness.... There is a generation whose teeth are swords and their mouths armed with knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men_ (Pr. 30^{12, 14}). _As one that killeth a son before his father’s eyes, So is he that bringeth a sacrifice from the goods of the poor. The bread of the needy is the life of the poor; He that depriveth him thereof is a man of blood. As one that slayeth his neighbour is he that taketh away his living; And as a shedder of blood is he that depriveth a hireling of his hire_ (E. 34^{20-22}). _He that saith unto the wicked “Thou art righteous,” peoples shall curse him and nations shall abhor him_ (Pr. 24^{24}). 4. OF RICHES AND THE DECEITFULNESS THEREOF _Weary not thyself to be rich.... For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flieth toward heaven_ (Pr. 23^{4, 5}). “Believe not much them that seem to despise riches; for they despise them that despair of them.... Be not penny-wise; riches have wings, and sometimes they fly away of themselves, sometimes they must be set flying to bring in more.”[127] _A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches_ (Pr. 22^{1}). “I cannot call riches better than the baggage of virtue. The Roman word is better, _impedimenta_. For as the baggage is to an army so is riches to virtue. It cannot be spared nor left behind, but it hindereth the march; yea and the care of it sometimes loseth or disturbeth the victory. Of great riches there is no real use except it be in the distribution; the rest is but conceit.” _His riches are the ransom of a man’s life, but the poor heareth no threatenings_ (Pr. 13^{8}). “But then you will say, they may be of use to buy men out of dangers or troubles. As Solomon saith, ‘Riches are as a stronghold, in the imagination of the rich man.’[128] But this is excellently expressed, that it is in imagination, and not always in fact. For certainly great riches have sold more men than they have bought out.” _Wealth gotten in haste shall be diminished, but he that gathereth slowly shall have increase_ (Pr. 13^{11}). “Seek not proud riches, but such as thou mayest get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly.” _Health and a good constitution are better than all gold, and a good spirit than wealth without measure_ (E. 30^{15}). _Riches profit not in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivereth from death_ (Pr. 11^{4})-- whereat the shallow-minded may smile if it please them.