Proverbs 28:1-16 ▼

1 The wicked flee and no one is pursuing, and the righteous are confident as a young lion.

2 In the transgression of the land, many are its princes; and with one man understanding and knowing, so it will last long.

3 A man being poor and oppressing the lowly ones is like a rain beating down and there is no bread.

4 Those abandoning instruction praise a wicked one, and those guarding instruction contend with them.

5 Men of evil do not understand justice, and those seeking YHWH understand all.

6 Better one being poor walking in his integrity, than one crooked in his ways, and he is rich.

7 One watching over the law is a discerning son, and one associating with gluttons disgraces his father.

8 The one multiplying his wealth by interest and usury gathers it for one showing favor to lowly ones.

9 One turning aside his ear from hearing instruction, even his prayer is an abomination.

10 One causing the upright to stray onto a path of evil, into his pit he himself will fall, and the blameless ones will inherit good things.

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, and a poor one being discerning will search him out.

12 In the rejoicing of the righteous is great beauty, and in the rising up of wicked ones, a man hides himself.

13 One covering his transgressions will not prosper, and one confessing and forsaking them will find mercy.

14 Blessed is the man being reverent continually, and the one hardening his heart will fall into distress.

15 A roaring lion and a rushing bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

16 A leader lacking in understanding is also abundant of oppressions; one hating dishonest gain prolongs days.