Proverbs28

¹ The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.

² When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

³ A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

⁴ To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

⁵ Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

⁶ Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.

⁷ Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

⁸ Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

⁹ God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.

¹⁰ Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.

¹¹ Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

¹² When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

¹³ People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

¹⁴ Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

¹⁵ A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

¹⁶ A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

¹⁷ A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!

¹⁸ The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

¹⁹ A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

²⁰ The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

²¹ Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

²² Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

²³ In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

²⁴ Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

²⁵ Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

²⁶ Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

²⁷ Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

²⁸ When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.