Proverbs Monthly
Chapter 28
Two Types of Men[a]
1 The wicked flee even though no one is pursuing them,
but the righteous are as confident as young lions.
2 When a land is in revolt, it has many leaders,[b]
but it will enjoy security under a prudent leader.
3 A needy man[c] who oppresses the poor
is like a drenching rain that destroys the crops.
4 Those who forsake the law[d] praise the wicked man,
but those who observe the law are in constant opposition to him.
5 Evildoers simply cannot comprehend justice,
but those who seek the Lord[e] understand it completely.
6 It is far better to be poor and beyond reproach
than to become rich through dishonest means.
7 A wise son obeys the law,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Whoever increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest[f]
amasses it for another who will be generous to the poor.
9 When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law,
even his prayer is detestable.[g]
10 Whoever tempts the upright into following evil ways
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a good inheritance.
11 The rich man may believe he is wise,
but the poor man with discernment will see through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is a great celebration,
but when the wicked prevail, the people go into hiding.
13 No one who conceals his transgressions will prosper,
but one who confesses and renounces them will obtain mercy.[h]
14 Blessed is the man who guards himself against temptation,[i]
but anyone who hardens his heart will be overtaken by evil.
15 Like a roaring lion or a bear on the prowl
is a wicked man who governs a powerless people.
16 A ruler who lacks sense will oppress his subjects,
but one who detests ill-gotten gain will have a long life.
17 Someone guilty of murder will be a fugitive till death;
no one should attempt to stop him.
18 Anyone who leads a blameless life will be safe,
but whoever follows a crooked path will fall into the pit.
19 One who tills his land will not lack for food,
but he who chases fantasies[j] will live in poverty.
20 One who is trustworthy will abound with blessings,[k]
but no one who seeks to get rich quickly will go unpunished.
21 To show partiality[l] is never good;
a man may do wrong even for a morsel of bread.
22 The miser is in a hurry to get rich,
never considering that want may eventually afflict him.[m]
23 Whoever rebukes another[n] will in the end win more thanks
than one who flatters with his tongue.
24 Anyone who robs his father or mother
and denies that he has sinned
is no better than a marauding bandit.
25 A greedy person provokes quarrels,
but whoever trusts in the Lord will have success.
26 Anyone who trusts in his own wits is a fool,
but he whose guide is wisdom[o] will come through safely.
27 No one who gives to the poor will suffer want,
but one who closes his eyes to them will get many a curse.[p]
28 When the wicked gain power, people go into hiding,
but when the wicked perish, the righteous increase in number.
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