Proverbs 28:2-14

When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures. A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. [Matt 18:28] Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them. [Prov 29:18] Evil men do not understand justice, But they who long for and seek the LORD understand it fully. [John 7:17; 1 Cor 2:15; 1 John 2:20, 27] Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich. [Prov 19:1] He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself]. He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest) Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. [Job 27:16, 17; Prov 13:22; Eccl 2:26] He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man], Even his prayer is repulsive [to God]. [Ps 66:18; 109:7; Prov 15:8; Zech 7:11] He who leads the upright astray on an evil path Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes, But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy. [Ps 32:3, 5; 1 John 1:8-10] Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, But he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster.