Proverbs 28
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1The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.1The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
2When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.2When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
3A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.3A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
4Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.4To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
5Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.5Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely.
6Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
7A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
8Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
9If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
10Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
11The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
13Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
14Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.15A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
16A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.16A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
17Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back.17A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
18The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
19Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.19A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
21To show partiality is not good-- yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.21Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
22The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.22Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
23Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
24Whoever robs their father or mother and says, "It's not wrong," is partner to one who destroys.24Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.
25The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.25Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.
26Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
27Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
28When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.28When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
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Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 27
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