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.
Currently Selected:
Proverbs 28: CEVUK
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012
Proverbs 28
28
1The wicked flee when no man pursueth;
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof;
But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3A needy man that oppresseth the poor
Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked;
But such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men understand not justice;
But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity,
Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son;
But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.
8He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase,
Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He shall fall himself into his own pit;
But the perfect shall inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit;
But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper;
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway;
But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear,
So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor;
But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that is laden with the blood of any person
Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered;
But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread;
But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings;
But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
21To have respect of persons is not good;
Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
22He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches,
And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor
Than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression,
The same is the companion of a destroyer.
25He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife;
But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool;
But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack;
But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in