Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.

2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3 A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.

8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

14 Happy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15  As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.

21 To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

22 he that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, The same is the companion of a destroyer.

25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, 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 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.