Proverbs of Solomon 28

 Proverbs of Solomon 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as confident as a young lion.

2 Because of the transgression of the land, many are its princes, but by the power of prudent and understanding men it will continue.

3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no grain.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law fight against them.

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand everything.

6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than one whose ways are perverse, even though he is rich.

7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father. 

8 He who increases his wealth by usury and levy gathers it for one who is kind to the poor.

9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

10 He who causes the upright to wander into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the upright will inherit good things.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great joy, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

14 Blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into mischief. 

15 Like a roaring lion or a hungry bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A ruler lacking in understanding also increases oppression, but he who hates greed will prolong his days.

17 A man burdened with human blood will flee to the pit; no one will restrain him.

18 He who walks blamelessly will be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways will quickly fall.

19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows idlers will have his fill of poverty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who rushes to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 Respecting personhood is not good, for even for a morsel of bread a man will transgress.

22 He who has an evil eye runs after riches, but does not know that poverty will come upon him. 

23 He who rebukes a man will find favor later than he who flatters with his tongue.

24 He who robs his father or his mother, and says, 'There is no transgression,' is a companion of a destroyer.

25 He who is proud in spirit stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be made rich.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.

27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.