Pro 28 | HCSB | STEP | The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion .

‏ Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, ^a

but the righteous are as bold as a lion. ^b

2 When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, ^c
but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

3 A destitute leader ^{▼▼LXX reads A wicked man} who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food. ^e

4 Those who reject the law praise the wicked, ^f
but those who keep the law battle against them. ^g

5 Evil men do not understand justice, ^h
but those who seek the Lord understand everything. ⁱ

6 Better a poor man who lives with integrity ^j
than a rich man who distorts right and wrong. ^{▼▼Lit who twists two ways
,} ^l

7 A discerning son keeps the law,
but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. ^m

8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest ⁿ
collects it for one who is kind to the poor. ^o

9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law –
even his prayer is detestable. ^p

10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit, ^q
but the blameless will inherit what is good. ^r

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

12 When the righteous triumph,
there is great rejoicing, ^{▼▼Lit glory}
but when the wicked come to power,
people hide themselves. ^t

13 The one who conceals his sins
will not prosper, ^u
but whoever confesses and renounces them
will find mercy. ^v

14 Happy is the one who is always reverent, ^w
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. ^x

15 A wicked ruler over a helpless people ^y
is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. ^z

16 A leader who lacks understanding
is very oppressive,
but one who hates dishonest profit
prolongs his life. ^aa

17 A man burdened by bloodguilt ^{▼▼Lit the blood of a person}
will be a fugitive until death. ^ac
Let no one help him. ^ad

18 The one who lives with integrity will be helped,
but one who distorts right and wrong ^{▼▼Lit who is twisted regarding two ways}
will suddenly fall. ^af

19 The one who works his land
will have plenty of food, ^ag
but whoever chases fantasies
will have his fill of poverty. ^ah

20 A faithful man will have many blessings, ^ai
but one in a hurry to get rich ^aj
will not go unpunished.

21 It is not good to show partiality ^ak –
yet a man may sin for a piece of bread. ^al

22 A greedy man ^{▼▼Lit A man with an evil eye} is in a hurry for wealth;
he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him. ^an

23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor ^ao
than one who flatters ^{▼▼Lit is smooth} with his tongue. ^aq

24 The one who robs his father or mother ^ar
and says, “That’s no sin,” ^as
is a companion to a man who destroys. ^at

25 A greedy person provokes conflict, ^au
but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper. ^av

26 The one who trusts in himself ^{▼▼Lit his heart} is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. ^ax

27 The one who gives to the poor
will not be in need,
but one who turns his eyes away ^{▼▼Lit who shuts his eyes}
will receive many curses. ^az

28 When the wicked come to power,
people hide,
but when they are destroyed,
the righteous flourish. ^ba