Proverbs 28

Warnings and Instructions

1The wicked flee when no one pursues them,

But the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2When a land does wrong, it has many princes,

But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.

3A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly

Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

4Those who #Lit forsake.set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked,

But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them.

5Evil men do not understand justice,

But they who long for and seek the Lord understand it fully.

6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich.

7He 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].

8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest)

Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.

9He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man],

Even his prayer is repulsive [to God].

10He who leads the upright astray on an evil path

Will himself fall into his own pit,

But the blameless will inherit good.

11The 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.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration;

But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves.

13He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,

But whoever confesses and #Lit forsakes.turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.

14Blessed 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.

15Like a roaring lion and a charging bear

Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days],

But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days.

17A man who is burdened with the guilt of human blood (murder)

Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him or give him refuge.

18He who walks blamelessly and uprightly will be kept safe,

But he who is crooked (perverse) will suddenly fall.

19He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread,

But he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

20A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings,

But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To have regard for one person over another and to show favoritism is not good,

Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22He who has an evil and envious eye hurries to be rich

And does not know that poverty will come upon him.

23He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor

Than he who flatters with the tongue.

24He who robs his father or his mother

And says, “This is no sin,”

Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys.

25An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife,

But he who trusts in the Lord will be blessed and prosper.

26He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool,

But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.

27He who gives to the poor will never want,

But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.

28When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves;

But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become great.

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Proverbs 28

1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,

but the godly are as bold as lions.

2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.

But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3A poor person who oppresses the poor

is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4To reject the law is to praise the wicked;

to obey the law is to fight them.

5Evil people don’t understand justice,

but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

6Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and rich.

7Young people who obey the law are wise;

those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.#28:7 Hebrew their father.

8Income from charging high interest rates

will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

9God detests the prayers

of a person who ignores the law.

10Those who lead good people along an evil path

will fall into their own trap,

but the honest will inherit good things.

11Rich people may think they are wise,

but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.

When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13People who conceal their sins will not prosper,

but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,#28:14 Or those who fear the Lord; Hebrew reads those who fear.

but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor

as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,

but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.

Don’t protect him!

18The blameless will be rescued from harm,

but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,

but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21Showing partiality is never good,

yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22Greedy people try to get rich quick

but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism

far more than flattery.

24Anyone who steals from his father and mother

and says, “What’s wrong with that?”

is no better than a murderer.

25Greed causes fighting;

trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

26Those who trust their own insight are foolish,

but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,

but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

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