Proverbs 28:1–28

¹ The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. ² A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. ³ A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. ⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. ⁵ Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. ⁶ Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse. ⁷ A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. ⁸ He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. ⁹ Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. ¹⁰ He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. ¹¹ A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. ¹² When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. ¹³ He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. ¹⁴ Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. ¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. ¹⁶ A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days. ¹⁷ A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. ¹⁸ He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. ¹⁹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. ²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. ²¹ To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. ²² A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. ²³ He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. ²⁴ He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys. ²⁵ A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. ²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. ²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. ²⁸ When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.