Proverbs 28

The Righteous Are Bold

1The wicked flee
when no one pursues,
but the righteous
are confident like a lion. 2Because of a land’s transgression
its rulers become many,
but through a person
of understanding and knowledge
stability continues. 3A poor person
who oppresses the poor
is like sweeping rain
that leaves no food. 4Those who abandon instruction
praise the wicked,
but those who keep instruction
struggle against them. 5Evil people
do not understand justice,
but those who seek the LORD
understand it fully.

6Better is a poor person
who walks in integrity
than a rich person
whose ways are crooked. 7Whoever keeps instruction
is a discerning child,
but a companion of gluttons
brings shame to a parent. 8Whoever increases wealth
through interest and excessive profit
gathers it for one
who shows favor to the poor. 9Whoever turns away an ear
from hearing instruction,
even their prayer
is an abomination. 10Whoever leads the upright
into an evil way
will fall into their own pit,
but the blameless
will inherit good.

Confession and Mercy

11A rich person
is wise in their own eyes,
but a discerning poor person
sees through them. 12When the righteous rejoice,
there is great glory,
but when the wicked rise,
people hide themselves. 13Whoever conceals transgressions
will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and abandons them
will receive mercy. 14Blessed is the one
who is always reverent,
but whoever hardens their heart
falls into disaster. 15Like a roaring lion
and a charging bear
is a wicked ruler
over a poor people.

Faithfulness and Greed

16A ruler who lacks understanding
is a great oppressor,
but one who hates unjust gain
will prolong days. 17A person burdened
with the blood of another
will be a fugitive until death;
let no one support them. 18Whoever walks in integrity
will be saved,
but one crooked in two ways
will fall suddenly. 19Whoever works the land
will have plenty of bread,
but whoever pursues empty things
will have plenty of poverty. 20A faithful person
will abound with blessings,
but whoever hurries to become rich
will not go unpunished.

21Showing partiality
is not good,
yet for a piece of bread
a person may transgress. 22One with a stingy eye
hurries after wealth
and does not know
that poverty will come upon them. 23Whoever corrects a person
will afterward find more favor
than one who flatters
with the tongue. 24Whoever robs father or mother
and says, “It is no transgression,”
is companion
to a destroyer.

Trust the LORD, Not Yourself

25A greedy person
stirs up conflict,
but whoever trusts in the LORD
will flourish. 26Whoever trusts
in their own heart
is a fool,
but whoever walks in wisdom
will be delivered. 27Whoever gives to the poor
will have no lack,
but whoever hides their eyes
will receive many curses. 28When the wicked rise,
people hide themselves,
but when they perish,
the righteous increase.