Proverbs 28
28
1The wicked are afraid of everything, but those who live right are as brave as lions.
2A lawless nation will have many bad leaders. But a smart leader will rule for a long time in a land where people obey the law.
3A leader who takes advantage of the poor is like a hard rain that destroys the crops.#28:3 Or “A poor person who takes advantage of beggars is like a hard rain and no food.”
4Those who refuse to obey the law promote evil. Those who obey the law oppose evil.
5The wicked don’t understand justice, but those who love the Lord understand it completely.
6It is better to be poor and honest than rich and evil.
7A smart son obeys the laws, but a son who spends time with worthless people brings shame to his father.
8If you get rich by charging high interest rates, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.
9When people do not listen to God’s teachings, he does not listen to their prayers.
10Those who plan to hurt good people will fall into their own traps, but good things will happen to those who are good.
11The rich always think they are wise, but a poor person who is wise can see the truth.
12When good people become leaders, everything is great, but when the wicked rise to power, everyone hides.
13Whoever hides their sins will not be successful, but whoever confesses their sins and stops doing wrong will receive mercy.
14People who respect others will be blessed, but stubborn people will have plenty of troubles.
15An evil ruler over those who are helpless is like an angry lion or a charging bear.
16A foolish ruler hurts the people under him, but a ruler who hates wrong will rule for a long time.
17A murderer will never have peace. Don’t support such a person.
18Honest people will be safe, but dishonest people will be ruined.
19Whoever works hard will have plenty to eat, but whoever wastes their time with dreams will always be poor.
20People who can be trusted will have many blessings, but those who are just trying to get rich in a hurry will be punished.
21It is wrong for a judge to support someone simply because he knows them. But some judges will change their decisions for the price of a loaf of bread.
22Selfish people only want to get rich. They do not realize that they are very close to being poor.
23Correct someone, and later they will thank you. That is much better than just saying something to be nice.
24Someone might steal from their parents and say, “I did nothing wrong.” But that person is as bad as an enemy who smashes everything in the house.
25Greedy people might sue you in court, but those who trust the Lord are rewarded.
26It is foolish to be too confident. Those who ask for advice are wise and will escape disaster.
27Whoever gives to the poor will have plenty. Whoever refuses to help them will get nothing but curses.
28When the wicked rise to power, everyone hides. When they are defeated, good people multiply.
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© 1987, 2004 Bible League International
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 a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3A poor 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 judgment:
But they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness,
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 riotous men shameth his father.
8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance,
He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer shall be abomination.
10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way,
He shall fall himself into his own pit:
But the upright shall have good things in possession.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit;
But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory:
But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have 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 the poor people.
16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor:
But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person
Shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved:
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 innocent.
21To have respect of persons is not good:
For for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye,
And considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour
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 proud heart stirreth up strife:
But he that putteth his trust in the LORD 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.
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