Proverbs 28
1 The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the good have the trusting boldness of lions.
The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a ruler who is wise and knowledgeable provides strength and continuity.
In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4 People who reject the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.
Those who forsake the Law praise the wicked; but those who keep the Law contend with them.
5 Evil people understand nothing about justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
Evil men do not understand justice; but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7 If you keep the law, you're a wise son, but if you keep bad company you shame your father.
Whoever keeps the Law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Anyone who gets rich through charging interest and profiteering is only storing it up for someone who is kind to the poor.
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Those who lead good people astray into evil ways will fall into their own traps, but the innocent will receive a good reward.
Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich see themselves as wise, but poor people with insight see right through them.
The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When good people win, everyone celebrates, but when the wicked come to power, people hide.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed are those who always respect the Lord, but those who are stubborn end up in a lot of trouble.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent; but the one who hardens his heart will fall into evil.
15 A wicked ruler lording it over poor people is like a roaring lion or a charging bear.
As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 An unwise ruler thoroughly extorts his people, but one who refuses to profit illegally will live long.
A prince who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will prolong his days.
17 Someone guilty of murder will go on running away from it until they die. Don't try and stop them.
A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.
18 If you have integrity, you'll be kept safe, but if you live deviously, you'll fall.
Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19 If you cultivate the land you'll have plenty of food, but if you chase fantasies you'll end up with nothing.
One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 If you're trustworthy, you'll be richly rewarded; but if you try to get rich quick, you won't go unpunished.
A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 Envious people are in a rush to get rich; they don't realize they'll end up poor.
A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.
23 Honest criticism is appreciated later far more than flattery.
One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 A man who robs his father and mother, and says, “It's not a crime,” is one step away from becoming a murderer.
Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.
25 Greedy people stir up trouble, but those who trust in the Lord will be successful.
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 People who trust their own minds are foolish, but those who follow wise ways will be kept safe.
One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 If you give to the poor, you won't be in need; but if you look the other way, you'll have many curses.
One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked come to power, people hide; but when they fall, the good do well.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
