Proverbs 28

1A wicked person flees though no one gives chase,But the righteous are as confident as a lion.

2When there is rebellion in the land, many are its rulers;But with someone who has understanding and knowledge, stability will last.

3A poor man who withholds what is due to the wretchedIs like a destructive rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,But those who heed instruction fight them.

5The wicked cannot discern judgment,But those who seek GOD discern all things.

6Better is a poor man who lives blamelesslyThan a rich man whose ways are crooked.

7An intelligent son heeds instruction,But he who keeps company with gluttons disgraces his father.

8He who increases his wealth by loans at discount or interestAmasses it for one who is generous to the poor.

9He who turns a deaf ear to instruction—His prayer is an abomination.

10He who misleads the upright into an evil courseWill fall into his own pit,But the blameless will prosper.

11A rich man is clever in his own eyes,But a perceptive pauper can see through him.

12When the righteous exult there is great glory,But when the wicked rise up, everyone makes themselves scarce.

13No one who covers up faults will succeed;One who confesses and gives them up will find mercy.

14Happy is the person who is anxious always,But one who is hard-hearted falls into misfortune.

15A roaring lion and a prowling bearIs a wicked man ruling a helpless people.

16A prince who lacks understanding is very oppressive;One who spurns ill-gotten gains will live long.

17Anyone oppressed by bloodguilt will flee to a pit;Let none offer support.

18One who lives blamelessly will be delivered,But one whose ways are crooked will fall all at once.

19Those who till their land will have food in plenty,But those who pursue vanities will have poverty in plenty.

20A dependable man will receive many blessings,But one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.

21To be partial is not right;Even one who is valiant may do wrong for a piece of bread.

22A miserly man runs after wealth;He does not realize that loss will overtake it.

23One who reproves a person will in the endFind more favor than a flatterer.

24Anyone who robs their father and mother and says, “It is no offense,”Is the companion to a vandal.

25A gaping maw provokes quarrels,But one who trusts GOD shall enjoy prosperity.

26Those who trust their own instincts are dullards,But those who live by wisdom shall escape.

27Those who give to the poor will not be in want,But those who turn a blind eye will be roundly cursed.

28When the wicked rise up, everyone goes into hiding,But when they perish the righteous increase.