Proverbs 28

¹ The wicked man flees although no one pursues him; but the just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself.

² If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many; but with a prudent man it knows security.

³ A rich man who oppresses the poor is like a devastating rain that leaves no food.

⁴ Those who abandon the law praise the wicked man, but those who keep the law war against him.

⁵ Evil men understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all.

⁶ Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked in his ways and rich.

⁷ He who keeps the law is a wise son, but the gluttons' companion disgraces his father.

⁸ He who increases his wealth by interest and overcharge gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.

⁹ When one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

¹⁰ He who seduces the upright into an evil way will himself fall into his own pit. (And blameless men will gain prosperity.)

¹¹ The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who is intelligent sees through him.

¹² When the just are triumphant, there is great jubilation; but when the wicked gain preeminence, people hide.

¹³ He who conceals his sins prospers not, but he who confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy.

¹⁴ Happy the man who is always on his guard; but he who hardens his heart will fall into evil.

¹⁵ Like a roaring lion or a ravenous bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

¹⁶ The less prudent the prince, the more his deeds oppress. He who hates ill-gotten gain prolongs his days.

¹⁷ Though a man burdened with human blood were to flee to the grave, none should support him.

¹⁸ He who walks uprightly is safe, but he whose ways are crooked falls into the pit.

¹⁹ He who cultivates his land will have plenty of food, but from idle pursuits a man has his fill of poverty.

²⁰ The trustworthy man will be richly blessed; he who is in haste to grow rich will not go unpunished.

²¹ To show partiality is never good: for even a morsel of bread a man may do wrong.

²² The avaricious man is perturbed about his wealth, and he knows not when want will come upon him.

²³ He who rebukes a man gets more thanks in the end than one with a flattering tongue.

²⁴ He who defrauds father or mother and calls it no sin, is a partner of the brigand.

²⁵ The greedy man stirs up disputes, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is safe.

²⁷ He who gives to the poor suffers no want, but he who ignores them gets many a curse.

²⁸ When the wicked gain pre-eminence, other men hide; but at their fall the just flourish.