Proverbs 28

The Boldness of the Righteous

¹The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.1

²A land in rebellion has many rulers,

but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

³A destitute leader who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

⁴Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law resist them.

⁵Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.1

⁶Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

⁷A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

⁸He who increases his wealth by interest and usury

lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

⁹Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,

even his prayer is detestable.

¹⁰He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

¹¹A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

¹²When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

¹³He who conceals his sins will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

¹⁴Blessed is the man who is always reverent,

but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

¹⁵Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

¹⁶A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,

but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

¹⁷A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;

let no one support him.

¹⁸He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,

but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

¹⁹The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

²⁰A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

²¹To show partiality is not good,

yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

²²A stingy man hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty awaits him.

²³He who rebukes a man will later find more favor

than one who flatters with his tongue.

²⁴He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”

is a companion to the man who destroys.

²⁵A greedy man stirs up strife,

but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

²⁶He who trusts in himself is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.1

²⁷Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,

but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

²⁸When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;

but when they perish, the righteous flourish.