Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes; But by a man of understanding and knowledge Right will be prolonged.3 A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all.6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.15  Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over poor people.16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him.18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, It is no transgression, The same is companion to a destroyer.25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.28 When the wicked arise, men 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 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.