Proverbs 28

1  The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2  When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
its stability will long continue.
3  A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4  Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
but those who keep the law strive against them.
5  Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
6  Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7  The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8  Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profitt
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9  If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10  Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11  A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12  When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13  Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14  Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15  Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16  A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17  If one is burdened with the blood of another,
he will be a fugitive until death;t
let no one help him.
18  Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19  Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20  A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21  To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22  A stingy mant hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23  Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.
24  Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, "That is no transgression,"
is a companion to a man who destroys.
25  A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.
26  Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27  Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28  When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs 28

The Law of God makes sense

1 Wicked people run away
when no one chases them,
but those who live right
are as brave as lions.

2 In time of civil war
there are many leaders,
but a sensible leader
restores law and order.t

3 When someone poor takes over
and ill-treats the poor,
it's like a heavy rain
destroying the crops.

4 Lawbreakers praise criminals,
but law-abiding citizens
always oppose them.

5 Criminals don't know
what justice means,
but all who respect the Lord
understand it completely.

6 It's better to be poor
and live right,
than to be rich
and dishonest.

7 It makes good sense
to obey the Law of God,
but you disgrace your parents
if you make friends
with worthless nobodies.

8 If you make money by charging
high interest rates,
you will lose it all to someone
who cares for the poor.

9 God cannot stand the prayers
of anyone who disobeys
his Law.

10 By leading good people to sin,
you dig a pit for yourself,
but all who live right
will have a bright future.

11 The rich think highly
of themselves,
but anyone poor and sensible
sees right through them.

12 When an honest person wins,
it's time to celebrate;
when crooks are in control,
it's best to hide.

13 If you don't confess your sins,
you will be a failure.
But God will be merciful
if you confess your sins
and give them up.

14 The Lord blesses everyone
who is afraid to do evil,
but if you are cruel,
you will end up in trouble.

15 A ruler who ill-treats the poor
is like a roaring lion
or a bear hunting for food.

16 A heartless leader is a fool,
but anyone who refuses
to get rich by cheating others
will live a long time.

17 Don't give help to murderers!
Make them stay on the run
for as long as they live.t

18 Honesty will keep you safe,
but everyone who is crooked
will suddenly fall.

19 Work hard, and you will have
a lot of food;
waste time, and you will have
a lot of trouble.

20 God blesses his loyal people,
but punishes all who want
to get rich quick.

21 It isn't right to be unfair,
but some people can be bribed
with only a piece of bread.

22 Don't be selfish
and eager to get rich—
you will end up worse off
than you can imagine.

23 Honest correction
is appreciated
more than flattery.

24 If you cheat your parents
and don't think it's wrong,
you are a common thief.

25 Selfish people cause trouble,
but you will live a full life
if you trust the Lord.

26 Only fools would trust
what they alone think,
but if you live by wisdom,
you will do all right.

27 Giving to the poor
will keep you from poverty,
but if you close your eyes
to their needs,
everyone will curse you.

28 When crooks are in control,
everyone tries to hide,
but when they lose power,
good people are everywhere.