Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

3 A ruler who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
but those who heed it resist them.

5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse.

7 Those who heed instruction are discerning children,
but companions of gluttons disgrace their parents.

8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.

10 Those who lead the upright along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

13 Those who conceal their sins do not prosper,
but those who confess and renounce them find mercy.

14 Blessed are those who always tremble before God,
but those who harden their hearts fall into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
will seek refuge in the grave;
let no one hold them back.

18 Those whose walk is blameless are kept safe,
but those whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.

19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.

20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good—
yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 The stingy are eager to get rich
and are unaware that poverty awaits them.

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

24 Whoever robs their father or mother
and says, “It’s not wrong,”
is partner to one who destroys.

25 The greedy stir up dissension,
but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

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.