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 profit
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;
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 man 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. (ESV)
