Proverbs 28

1The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2When a land rebels, it has many rulers, but a leader with understanding and knowledge gives it lasting stability.

3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4Whoever abandons the law praises the wicked, but whoever keeps the law fights against the wicked.

5Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything.

6Better a poor person who lives with integrity than a rich person whose ways are dishonest.

7Whoever keeps the law is a wise child, but a companion of wild living disgraces that child's father.

8Whoever grows wealthy through excessive interest and unjust gain is only storing it up for someone who will be kind to the poor.

9Whoever refuses to listen to God's law — even that person's prayers are disgusting to the LORD.

10Whoever leads honest people down an evil path will fall into that same trap, but people of integrity will inherit good things.

11A rich person may think that rich person is wise, but a poor person with understanding sees right through that rich person's pride.

12When the righteous succeed, there is great celebration, but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.

13Whoever conceals their sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and stops doing those sins will find mercy.

14Blessed is the person who always stays reverent, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

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

16A ruler with no understanding oppresses people cruelly, but whoever hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.

17Whoever is guilty of murder will be a fugitive until death; let no one help that person.

18Whoever walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever's ways are dishonest will suddenly fall.

19Whoever works the land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases worthless ideas will have plenty of poverty.

20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but whoever rushes to get rich will not go unpunished.

21Showing favoritism is not good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22A greedy person is eager to get rich and does not realize that poverty is coming.

23Whoever corrects someone will later earn more favor than whoever flatters with the tongue.

24Whoever steals from their father or mother and says: It's not wrong — that person is a partner to a criminal.

25A greedy person stirs up conflict, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26Whoever trusts in their own mind is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will be kept safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but a person who shuts his eyes to poor people will receive many curses.

28When the wicked rise to power, people hide, but when the wicked perish, the righteous flourish.