Proverbs 28

Chapter 28

1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
but the godly are as bold as lions.2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
to obey the law is to fight them.5 Evil people don’t understand justice,
but those who follow the LORD understand completely.6 Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and rich.7 Young people who obey the law are wise;
those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.t8 Income from charging high interest rates
will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.9 God detests the prayers
of a person who ignores the law.10 Those who lead good people along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the honest will inherit good things.11 Rich people may think they are wise,
but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,t
but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
but one who hates corruption will have a long life.17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
Don’t protect him!18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,
but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.19 A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.21 Showing partiality is never good,
yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.22 Greedy people try to get rich quick
but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery.24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother
and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
is no better than a murderer.25 Greed causes fighting;
trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

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 mistreats 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 mistreats 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.