Proverbs 28:1-20

¹The wicked flee when no one pursueth; But the righteous is as bold as a lion.

²Through the transgression of a land many are its rulers; But through men of prudence and understanding the prince shall live long.

³A poor man who oppresseth the needy Is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

⁴They who forsake the law praise the wicked; But they who keep the law contend with them.

⁵Wicked men understand not equity; But they who seek the LORD understand all things.

⁶Better is a poor man who walketh in uprightness, Than he who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

⁷He that keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is the companion of prodigals bringeth shame on his father.

⁸He that increaseth his substance by usurious gain Gathereth it for him who will pity the poor.

⁹He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be an abomination.

¹⁰He that causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way Shall himself fall 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 man, who hath understanding, will search him through.

¹²When the righteous rejoice, there is great glorying; But, when the wicked are exalted, men hide themselves.

¹³He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; But he that confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

¹⁴Happy the man who feareth always! But he who hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

¹⁵As a roaring lion and a hungry bear, So is a wicked ruler over a needy people.

¹⁶The prince who is weak in understanding is great in oppression; But he who hateth unjust gain shall prolong his days.

¹⁷A man who is burdened with life-blood—Let him flee to the pit! let no man stay him!

¹⁸He who walketh uprightly shall be safe; But he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

¹⁹He who tilleth his land shall have bread enough; And he that followeth after worthless persons shall have poverty enough.

²⁰A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not go unpunished.