Proverbs Chapter 28
1 The wicked flee when no man pursues. But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its rulers. But it is prolonged by a man of discernment who knows right.
3 A poor man who crushes the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked. But those who keep the law plead against them.
5 Evil men do not understand judgment. But those who seek the Lord understand all things.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his uprightness than one who is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Those who increase their wealth by interest and unjust gain gather it for those who pity the poor.
9 Those who turn away their ear from hearing the law, even their prayer is hateful.
10 Whoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way will fall into their own pit. But the upright will inherit good.
11 The rich are wise in their own eyes. But the poor who have understanding search them out.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory. But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13 Those who cover their sins will not be blessed. But whoever confesses and leaves them will have mercy.
14 Blessed are those who fear God. But those who harden their heart will fall into mischief.
15 Like a roaring lion and a ranging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the helpless people.
16 A ruler lacking understanding adds oppressions. Those who hate unjust gain will prolong their days.
17 A man who is pressed down with the blood of a soul shall flee to the pit. Do not let them uphold him.
18 Whoever walks uprightly will be saved. But those who are perverse in their ways will fall at once.
19 Those who till their land will have plenty of bread. But those who pursue vanities will have poverty.
20 The faithful will overflow with blessings. But those who hurry⁺ to be rich will not be innocent.
21 To have deferential respect for persons is not good. Yes, even for a piece of bread some will transgress.
22 Those who hasten to be rich have an evil eye and do not know that poverty will come upon them.
23 Those who wisely rebuke another will afterward find more favor than those who flatter with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs their father or mother and says, It is no sin will be a companion to a destroyer.
25 Those who have a proud heart stir up fighting. But those who put their trust in the Lord will be made whole⁺.
26 Those who trust in their own heart are fools. But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27 Those who give to the poor will not lack. But those who hide their eyes will have many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, people hide. But when they perish, the righteous increase.