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 mistreats 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 mistreats 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: CEV
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 28
28
Confidence, Discernment, Integrity
1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2When a country is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a man of discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3A poor man who oppresses the weak is like pounding rain without food.
4Those who forsake Torah praise the wicked, but those who keep Torah stir them up.
5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek Adonai understand it fully.
6Better the poor who walks in his integrity than the rich whose ways are crooked.
7He who keeps Torah is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8Whoever increases his wealth by exorbitant interest, gathers it for one kinder to the poor.
9One who turns his ear from hearing Torah —even his prayer is an abomination.
10One who leads the upright astray along an evil path will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit good.
11A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor person sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph there is great glory, but when the wicked rise to power, people hide.
13One who covers up his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them finds mercy.
14Blessed is one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15Like a roaring lion or a prowling bear is a wicked ruler over helpless people.
16An oppressive leader lacks judgment. One who hates unjust gain will prolong his life.
17A man tormented by the guilt of murder flees to the Pit—let no one support him.
18Whoever walks blamelessly will be safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will fall suddenly.
Wisdom About Finances
19Whoever works his land will be satisfied with food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20A faithful man will have many blessings, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good— yet for a piece of bread a man may do wrong.
22A stingy man chases after riches, but does not know that poverty will overtake him.
23One who rebukes a man will in the end find more favor than one with a flattering tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not a crime,” is a partner to him who destroys.
25A greedy soul stirs up strife, but one who trusts in Adonai prospers.
26Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will escape.
27One who gives to the poor will not lack, but one who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28When the wicked rise to power, people hide, 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
Copyright © 2014 - Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society