Here see, 1. What will be the credit and comfort of a poor man, and
make him more excellent than his neighbour, though his poverty may
expose him to contempt and may dispirit him. Let him be honest and walk
in integrity, let him keep a good conscience and make it appear that he
does so, let him always speak and act with sincerity when he is under
the greatest temptations to dissemble and break his word, and then let
him value himself upon that, for all wise and good men will value him.
He is better, has a better character, is in a better condition, is
better beloved, and lives to better purpose, than many a one that looks
great and makes a figure. 2. What will be the shame of a rich man,
notwithstanding all his pomp. If he have a shallow head and an evil
tongue, if he is perverse in his lips and is a fool, if he is a wicked
man and gets what he has by fraud and oppression, he is a fool, and an
honest poor man is to be preferred far before him.