‏ Proverbs 28

1 General observations of impiety and religious integrity.

1The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

3A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

6Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

7Whoever keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.

8He that by usury and unjust gain increases his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10Whoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.

12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

14Happy is the man that fears always: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.

15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

17A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come on him.

23He that rebukes a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue.

24Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

25He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

26He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

27He that gives to the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.

28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.