Proverbs 28
28
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues;
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers,
but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.
3 A needy man who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
4Those who forsake the Torah praise the wicked;
but those who keep the Torah contend with them.
5 Evil men don’t understand justice;
but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
7Whoever keeps the Torah is a wise son;
but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest
gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the Torah,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoever 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 man is wise in his own eyes;
but the poor who has understanding 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 doesn’t prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14Blessed is the man who always fears;
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear,
so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment.
One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
17 A man who is tormented by blood guilt will be a fugitive until death.
No one will support him.
18Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe;
but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.
19One who works his land will have an abundance of food;
but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20 A faithful man is rich with blessings;
but one who is 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 hurries after riches,
and doesn’t know that poverty waits for him.
23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters with the tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It’s not wrong,”
is a partner with a destroyer.
25 One who is greedy stirs up strife;
but one who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 One who trusts in himself is a fool;
but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
27 One who gives to the poor has no lack;
but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
but when they perish, the righteous thrive.
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Proverbs 28
28
The Law of God makes sense
1Wicked people run away
when no one chases them,
but those who live right
are as brave as lions.
2In time of civil war
there are many leaders,
but a sensible leader
restores law and order.#28.2 but…order: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
3When someone poor takes over
and ill-treats the poor,
it's like a heavy rain
destroying the crops.
4Lawbreakers praise criminals,
but law-abiding citizens
always oppose them.
5Criminals don't know
what justice means,
but all who respect the LORD
understand it completely.
6It's better to be poor
and live right,
than to be rich
and dishonest.
7It makes good sense
to obey the Law of God,
but you disgrace your parents
if you make friends
with worthless nobodies.
8If you make money by charging
high interest rates,
you will lose it all to someone
who cares for the poor.
9God cannot stand the prayers
of anyone who disobeys
his Law.
10By leading good people to sin,
you dig a pit for yourself,
but all who live right
will have a bright future.
11The rich think highly
of themselves,
but anyone poor and sensible
sees right through them.
12When an honest person wins,
it's time to celebrate;
when crooks are in control,
it's best to hide.
13If you don't confess your sins,
you will be a failure.
But God will be merciful
if you confess your sins
and give them up.
14The LORD blesses everyone
who is afraid to do evil,
but if you are cruel,
you will end up in trouble.
15A ruler who ill-treats the poor
is like a roaring lion
or a bear hunting for food.
16A heartless leader is a fool,
but anyone who refuses
to get rich by cheating others
will live a long time.
17Don't give help to murderers!
Make them stay on the run
for as long as they live.#28.17 live: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 17.
18Honesty will keep you safe,
but everyone who is crooked
will suddenly fall.
19Work hard, and you will have
a lot of food;
waste time, and you will have
a lot of trouble.
20God blesses his loyal people,
but punishes all who want
to get rich quick.
21It isn't right to be unfair,
but some people can be bribed
with only a piece of bread.
22Don't be selfish
and eager to get rich—
you will end up worse off
than you can imagine.
23Honest correction
is appreciated
more than flattery.
24If you cheat your parents
and don't think it's wrong,
you are a common thief.
25Selfish people cause trouble,
but you will live a full life
if you trust the LORD.
26Only fools would trust
what they alone think,
but if you live by wisdom,
you will do all right.
27Giving to the poor
will keep you from poverty,
but if you close your eyes
to their needs,
everyone will curse you.
28When crooks are in control,
everyone tries to hide,
but when they lose power,
good people are everywhere.
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© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012