Proverbs 28:1-16 ▼

1 The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer, || And the righteous is confident as a young lion.

2 By the transgression of a land its heads are many, || And by an understanding man, || Who knows right—it is prolonged.

3 A man—poor and oppressing the weak, || [Is] a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.

4 Those forsaking the Law praise the wicked, || Those keeping the Law plead against them.

5 Evil men do not understand judgment, || And those seeking YHWH understand all.

6 Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, || Than the perverse of ways who is rich.

7 Whoever is keeping the Law is an intelligent son, || And a friend of gluttons || Causes his father to blush.

8 Whoever is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, || Gathers it for one favoring the poor.

9 Whoever is turning his ear from hearing the Law, || Even his prayer [is] an abomination.

10 Whoever is causing the upright to err in an evil way, || He falls into his own pit, || And the perfect inherits good.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, || And the intelligent poor searches him.

12 In the exulting of the righteous the glory [is] abundant, || And in the rising of the wicked man is apprehensive.

13 Whoever is covering his transgressions does not prosper, || And he who is confessing and forsaking has mercy.

14 O the blessedness of a man fearing continually, || And whoever is hardening his heart falls into evil.

15 A growling lion, and a ranging bear, || [Is] the wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A leader lacking understanding multiplies oppressions, || Whoever is hating dishonest gain prolongs days.