Proverbs 28

1Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them. But those who do what is right are as bold as lions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8Someone 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

15An evil person who rules over helpless people is like a roaring lion or an angry bear.

16A ruler who is mean to his people takes money from them by force. But one who hates money gained in the wrong way will rule a long time.

17Anyone troubled by the guilt of murder will seek to escape their guilt by death. No one should keep them from it.

18Anyone who lives without blame is kept safe. But anyone whose path is crooked will fall into the pit.

19Those who work their land will have plenty of food. But those who chase dreams will be very poor.

20A faithful person will be richly blessed. But anyone who wants to get rich will be punished.

21Favoring one person over another is not good. But a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22Those who won’t share what they have want to get rich. They don’t know they are going to be poor.

23It is better to warn a person than to pretend to praise them. In the end that person will be more pleased with you.

24Anyone who steals from their parents and says, “It’s not wrong,” is just like someone who destroys.

25People who always want more stir up conflict. But those who trust in the LORD will succeed.

26Those who trust in themselves are foolish. But those who live wisely are kept safe.

27Those who give to poor people will have all they need. But those who close their eyes to the poor will receive many curses. 28When those who are evil take charge, other people hide. But when those who are evil die, godly people grow stronger.