Proverbs 28:1-16 ▼

1 The wicked flee though none pursue; but the just, like a lion, are confident.

2 If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many; but with an intelligent and wise ruler there is stability.

3 One who is poor and extorts from the lowly is a devastating rain that leaves no food.

4 Those who abandon instruction praise the wicked, but those who keep instruction oppose them.

5 The evil understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the LORD understand everything.

6 Better to be poor and walk in integrity than rich and crooked in one’s ways.

7 Whoever heeds instruction is a wise son, but whoever joins with wastrels disgraces his father.

8 Whoever amasses wealth by interest and overcharge gathers it for the one who is kind to the poor.

9 Those who turn their ears from hearing instruction, even their prayer is an abomination.

10 Those who mislead the upright into an evil way will themselves fall into their own pit, but the blameless will attain prosperity.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes, but the poor who are intelligent see through them.

12 When the just triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked prevail, people hide.

13 Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and forsake them obtain mercy.

14 Happy those who always fear; but those who harden their hearts fall into evil.

15 A roaring lion or a ravenous bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 The less prudent the rulers, the more oppressive their deeds. Those who hate ill-gotten gain prolong their days.