Proverbs 28

The Boldness of the Righteous

1 The wicked run when nobody chasing, but the righteous bold like a lion.

2 When a nation’s full of sin, it gets many rulers, but a wise leader keeps order.

3 A poor man who oppresses the poor like pounding rain that ruins crops.

4 Those who ignore the law praise the wicked, but those who keep it fight against them.

5 Evil men do not get justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it all.

6 Better a poor man who walks straight than a rich man crooked in his ways.

7 Whoever keeps the law a wise son, but whoever hangs with gluttons shames his father.

8 Whoever gets rich by charging interest piles it up for someone kind to the poor.

9 If anyone turns his ear from the law, even his prayers stink.

10 Whoever misleads the upright into evil falls into his own pit, but the blameless get blessed.

11 A rich man thinks he is wise, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

12 When the righteous win, there is great glory; when the wicked rise, people hide.

13 Whoever hides sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns from it gets mercy.

14 Blessed is the one who fears always, but whoever hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15 A wicked ruler over the poor like a roaring lion or hungry bear.

16 A tyrant ruler lacks sense, but one who hates greed lives long.

17 A man tormented by guilt for murder will flee till death, do not help him.

18 Whoever walks blameless stays safe, but whoever takes crooked paths falls suddenly.

19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies ends up broke.

20 A faithful man gets many blessings, but whoever rushes to get rich will not go unpunished.

21 Showing favoritism is not good, yet people do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 A greedy man hurries for wealth, not knowing poverty’s waiting.

23 Whoever rebukes a man finds more favor later than one who flatters.

24 Whoever robs father or mother and says, “It is not wrong,” is partner with a destroyer.

25 The greedy stir up conflict, but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.

26 Whoever trusts himself a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor lacks nothing, but whoever ignores them gets many curses.

28 When the wicked rise, people hide; when they perish, the righteous flourish.