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.
Proverbs 28:3–11
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 19:1–2
1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. 2 Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
Proverbs 13:5–7
5 The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. 6 Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner. 7 One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
Proverbs 14:30–32
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. 31 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. 32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death.
Sirach 13:23–25
23 A rich man speaks, and all keep silence. They extol what he says to the clouds. A poor man speaks, and they say, “Who is this?” If he stumbles, they will help to overthrow him. (WEB) 24 Riches are good if they have no sin. Poverty is evil only in the opinion of the ung… (WEB)
Proverbs 11:4–6
4 Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are…
Proverbs 22:15–17
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty. 17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to…
Proverbs 28:15–17
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 supp…
Proverbs 29:26–27
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. 27 An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
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