Proverbs 28

1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.footnote a

3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.footnote b

4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.footnote c

8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.footnote d

9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.footnote e

12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.footnote f

13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.footnote g

21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.footnote h

23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.footnote i

25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

The Boldness of the Righteous

1The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2A land in rebellion has many rulers,but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3A destitute leader who oppresses the pooris 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.

6Better a poor man who walks with integritythan 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 usurylays 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,footnote abut he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bearis 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;footnote blet 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 manfootnote chastens after wealthand does not know that poverty awaits him.

23He who rebukes a man will later find more favorthan 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.

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.