Proverbs 28
The Boldness of the Righteous
¹ The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
² A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
³ A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
⁵ Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
⁶ Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
⁷ A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
⁸ He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
⁹ Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
¹⁰ He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
¹³ He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
¹⁴ Blessed is the man who is always reverent,1 but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
¹⁶ A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
¹⁷ A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;2 let no one support him.
¹⁸ He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
¹⁹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
²¹ To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
²² A stingy man 3 hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
²³ He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
²⁴ He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
²⁵ A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
²⁸ When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.