Proverbs 28:1-14

New International Reader's Version

28 Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them.
    But those who do what is right are as bold as lions.

² A country has many rulers when its people don’t obey.
    But an understanding ruler knows how to keep order.

³ A ruler who treats poor people badly
    is like a pounding rain that leaves no crops.

⁴ Those who turn away from instruction praise sinners.
    But those who learn from it oppose them.

⁵ Sinful people don’t understand what is right.
    But those who worship the Lord understand it completely.

⁶ It is better to be poor and live without blame
    than to be rich and follow a crooked path.

⁷ A child who understands what is right learns from instruction.
    But a child who likes to eat too much brings shame on his father.

⁸ Someone might get rich by taking interest or profit from poor people.
    But that person only piles up wealth for someone who will be kind to poor people.

⁹ If you don’t pay attention to my instruction,
    even your prayers are hated.

¹⁰ Those who lead honest people down an evil path
    will fall into their own trap.
But those who are without blame
    will receive good things.

¹¹ Rich people may think they are wise.
    But a poor person with understanding knows that rich people are fooling themselves.

¹² When godly people win, everyone is very happy.
    But when sinners take charge, everyone hides.

¹³ Anyone who hides their sins doesn’t succeed.
    But anyone who admits their sins and gives them up finds mercy.

¹⁴ Blessed is the one who always trembles in front of God.
    But anyone who makes their heart stubborn will get into trouble.