Proverbs 28

1The wicked run away when nobody is chasing them, but the righteous stand as bold as a lion. 2When a land rebels, it has one ruler after another, but a person of understanding and knowledge keeps order lasting. 3A poor man who exploits the poor is like a beating rain that leaves no crops behind. 4People who abandon God’s instruction speak well of the wicked, but those who keep it stand up against them.

5Evil people cannot grasp what justice is, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. 6It is better to be poor and live with integrity than to be rich and two-faced in all you do. 7A son who keeps instruction shows good sense, but one who runs with gluttons disgraces his father. 8Whoever grows rich by charging interest and taking a cut is only storing it up for someone who will be generous to the poor. 9If anyone refuses to listen to God’s instruction, even their prayer is detestable. 10Whoever lures the upright into an evil path will fall into their own pit, but the blameless will receive good things. 11The rich may think they are wise, but a poor person with insight sees right through them. 12When the righteous win, there is great celebration, but when the wicked come to power, people go into hiding. 13Whoever hides their sins will not succeed, but whoever admits them and turns away from them will receive mercy. 14How blessed is the one who is always reverent, but whoever hardens their heart will fall into disaster. 15Like a roaring lion or a bear on the attack is a wicked ruler over helpless people. 16A ruler without sense is a harsh oppressor, but one who hates dishonest gain will reign long.

17Someone tormented by guilt for shedding blood will be a fugitive until death; let no one stand in their way. 18Whoever lives with integrity will be kept safe, but anyone who is double-dealing will suddenly fall. 19Those who farm their land will have food in plenty, but those who chase fantasies will have poverty in plenty. 20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one who rushes to get rich will not escape punishment. 21Favoritism is never right, yet some will do wrong for a mere scrap of bread. 22A stingy person is in a rush to get rich, not knowing that poverty is on its way. 23In the end, a person who corrects someone will be more appreciated than one who flatters. 24Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “There is nothing wrong with that,” is no better than a vandal. 25Greedy people stir up conflict, but whoever trusts in the LORD will prosper. 26Whoever trusts their own mind is a fool, but whoever walks in wisdom will be kept safe. 27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but whoever looks away from them will receive many curses. 28When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding, but when the wicked are destroyed, the righteous flourish.