Proverbs 28:1-16 ▼

1 The vngodly fleeth when no man pursueth him: but the righteous are bolde as a Lion.

2 For the wickednes of the lande, the prince is oft chaunged: but thorowe a man of vnderstanding and wysdome, a realme endureth long.

3 One poore man oppressing another by violence, is like a raging rayne that destroyeth the fruite.

4 They that forsake the lawe, prayse the vngodly: but such as kepe the lawe are greeued at them.

5 Wicked men vnderstande not iudgement: but they that seeke the Lord, vnderstande all thinges.

6 Better is he that walketh in his vprightnes: then he that peruerteth his wayes, and is riche.

7 Who so kepeth the lawe, is a chylde of vnderstanding: but he that is a companion of riotous men, shameth his father.

8 He that by vsurie and vniust gaynes gathereth riches: he shall lay them in store for a man that will pitie the poore.

9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the lawe, his prayer shalbe abhominable.

10 Who so causeth the righteous to go astray by an euill way, shall fall into his owne pit: but the iust shall haue the good in possession.

11 The riche man thinketh hym selfe to be wise: but the poore that hath vnderstandyng can perceaue hym well inough.

12 When righteous men do reioyce, there is great glory: but when the wicked come vp, the man is tryed.

13 He that hydeth his sinnes, shall not prosper: but whoso knowledgeth them and forsaketh them, shall haue mercy.

14 Well is hym that standeth alway in awe: as for hym that hardeneth his heart, he shall fall into mischiefe.

15 As a roaring Lion and an hungrye Beare, so is an vngodly prince ouer the poore people.

16 Where the prince is without vnderstanding, there is great oppression and wrong: but if he hateth couetousnes, he shall long raigne.