Several interesting maxims of the Wise concerning Wealth and Poverty are kept for consideration in a subsequent chapter, and some have already been recorded, but the topic is one so intimately affecting the common weal that here also it must receive mention. These Wisdom proverbs are sometimes charged with exhibiting too mundane an attitude towards riches, so frankly and unreservedly do certain of them recognise the material advantages wealth confers. For the moment, however, we are not concerned with a general judgment but with noting ideals. Isolating therefore the nobler sayings, we find emphasis rightly laid on the broad distinction between just and unjust gains. For the former riches, which were the reward of diligence and shrewd but upright conduct, there is cordial approbation. Our deeper modern perplexities as to the proper distribution of wealth was of course beyond the Wise-men’s ken; it is enough that we find them clear on the issue presented to their day and generation: _The treasures of wickedness, said they, profit nothing_ (Pr. 10^{2})--_Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich_ (Pr. 28^{6})--_Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice_ (Pr. 16^{8}), and lastly the noble passage (Pr. 30^{7-9}, see p. 121) in praise of the Golden Mean will perhaps be remembered. Further the Sages were stern in denunciation of greed and of indifference to the needs of the poor and defenceless: for instance, _He that augmenteth his substance by usury and interest gathereth for him that hath pity on the poor_ (Pr. 28^{8})--_The Lord will root up the house of the proud, but he will establish the property of the widow_ (Pr. 15^{25}); and correspondingly, they exalted the virtues of generosity and kindly help _He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack, but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse_ (Pr. 28^{27})--_Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in thy power to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, “Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give,” when thou hast it by thee_ (Pr. 3^{27, 28}). * * * * *