Proverbs 28

The righteous are bold as a lion

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.a 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.b ⁵Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.c ⁶Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.d

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.e ⁹Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.f

¹⁰He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.g 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.h

¹³He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.i ¹⁴Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.j 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.k

¹⁹The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.l ²⁰A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.m 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.n 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.o ²⁶He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.p ²⁷Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.q

²⁸When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish.r