Proverbs 28:1-15

28:1 The wicked person flees when there is no one pursuing,

but the righteous person is as confident as a lion.

28:2 When a country is rebellious it has many princes,

but by someone who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.

28:3 A poor person who oppresses the weak

is like a driving rain without food.

28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law contend with them.

28:5 Evil people do not understand justice,

but those who seek the Lord understand it all.

28:6 A poor person who walks in his integrity is better

than one who is perverse in his ways even though he is rich.

28:7 The one who keeps the law is a discerning child,

but a companion of gluttons brings shame to his parents.

28:8 The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest

gathers it for someone who is gracious to the needy.

28:9 The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law,

even his prayer is an abomination.

28:10 The one who leads the upright astray in an evil way

will himself fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

28:11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes,

but a discerning poor person can evaluate him properly.

28:12 When the righteous rejoice, great is the glory,

but when the wicked rise to power, people are sought out.

28:13 The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper,

but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.

28:14 Blessed is the one who is always cautious,

but whoever hardens his heart will fall into evil.

28:15 Like a roaring lion or a roving bear,

so is a wicked ruler over a poor people.