Proverbs 28:1-14

Christian Standard Bible

28 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^[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no food.^(D)

⁴ Those who reject the law praise the wicked,^(E)
but those who keep the law pit themselves against them.^(F)

⁵ The evil do not understand justice,^(G)
but those who seek the Lord understand everything.^(H)

⁶ Better the poor person who lives with integrity^(I)
than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.^[b](J)

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

⁸ Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest^(L)
collects it for one who is kind to the poor.^(M)

⁹ Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—
even his prayer is detestable.^(N)

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

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

¹² When the righteous triumph,
there is great rejoicing,^[c]
but when the wicked come to power,
people hide.^(Q)

¹³ The one who conceals his sins
will not prosper,^(R)
but whoever confesses and renounces them
will find mercy.^(S)

¹⁴ Happy is the one who is always reverent,^(T)
but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.^(U)