Proverbs 28

The righteous are bold as a lion

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.a ²When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. ³A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

⁴To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.b ⁵Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.c ⁶Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.d

⁷Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. ⁸Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.e ⁹God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.f

¹⁰Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.g ¹¹Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. ¹²When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.h

¹³People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.i ¹⁴Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.j ¹⁵A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

¹⁶A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. ¹⁷A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him! ¹⁸The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.k

¹⁹A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.l ²⁰The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.m ²¹Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

²²Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. ²³In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.n ²⁴Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

²⁵Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.o ²⁶Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.p ²⁷Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.q

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