Proverbs 28

¹The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,

but the godly are as bold as lions.

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.

⁵Evil people don’t understand justice,

but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

⁶Better to be poor and honest

than to be dishonest and rich.

⁷Young people who obey the law are wise;

those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.^a

⁸Income from charging high interest rates

will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

⁹God detests the prayers

of a person who ignores the law.

¹⁰Those who lead good people along an evil path

will fall into their own trap,

but the honest will inherit good things.

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.

¹³People who conceal their sins will not prosper,

but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

¹⁴Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,^b

but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

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.

¹⁹A hard worker has plenty of food,

but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

²⁰The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,

but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

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.

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.

²⁶Those who trust their own insight are foolish,

but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

²⁷Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,

but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

²⁸When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.