Proverbs 28–29

28The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, ^u

but the righteous are as bold as a lion. ^v

²When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, ^w

but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.

³A destitute leader ^xwho oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food. ^y

⁴Those who reject the law praise the wicked, ^z

but those who keep the law battle against them. ^a

⁵Evil men do not understand justice, ^b

but those who seek the Lord understand everything. ^c

⁶Better a poor man who lives with integrity ^d

than a rich man who distorts right and wrong. ^ef

⁷A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons humiliates his father. ^g

⁸Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest ^h

collects it for one who is kind to the poor. ⁱ

⁹Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—

even his prayer is detestable. ^j

¹⁰The one who leads the upright into an evil way

will fall into his own pit, ^k

but the blameless will inherit what is good. ^l

¹¹A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

¹²When the righteous triumph,

there is great rejoicing, ^m

but when the wicked come to power,

people hide themselves. ⁿ

¹³The one who conceals his sins

will not prosper, ^o

but whoever confesses and renounces them

will find mercy. ^p

¹⁴Happy is the one who is always reverent, ^q

but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. ^r

¹⁵A wicked ruler over a helpless people ^s

is like a roaring lion or a charging bear. ^t

¹⁶A leader who lacks understanding

is very oppressive,

but one who hates dishonest profit

prolongs his life. ^u

¹⁷A man burdened by bloodguilt ^v

will be a fugitive until death. ^w

Let no one help him. ^x

¹⁸The one who lives with integrity will be helped,

but one who distorts right and wrong ^y

will suddenly fall. ^z

¹⁹The one who works his land

will have plenty of food, ^a

but whoever chases fantasies

will have his fill of poverty. ^b

²⁰A faithful man will have many blessings, ^c

but one in a hurry to get rich ^d

will not go unpunished.

²¹It is not good to show partiality ^e—

yet a man may sin for a piece of bread. ^f

²²A greedy man ^gis in a hurry for wealth;

he doesn’t know that poverty will come to him. ^h

²³One who rebukes a person will later find more favor ⁱ

than one who flatters ^jwith his tongue. ^k

²⁴The one who robs his father or mother ^l

and says, “That’s no sin,” ^m

is a companion to a man who destroys. ⁿ

²⁵A greedy person provokes conflict, ^o

but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper. ^p

²⁶The one who trusts in himself ^qis a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. ^r

²⁷The one who gives to the poor

will not be in need,

but one who turns his eyes away ^s

will receive many curses. ^t

²⁸When the wicked come to power,

people hide,

but when they are destroyed,

the righteous flourish. ^u

29One who becomes stiff-necked,

after many reprimands

will be shattered instantly—

beyond recovery. ^v

²When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, people groan. ^w

³A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, ^x

but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth. ^y

⁴By justice a king brings stability to a land, ^z

but a man who demands “contributions” ^a

demolishes it. ^b

⁵A man who flatters ^chis neighbor

spreads a net for his feet. ^d

⁶An evil man is caught by sin, ^e

but the righteous one sings and rejoices. ^f

⁷The righteous person knows the rights ^gof the poor, ^h

but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

⁸Mockers inflame a city, ⁱ

but the wise turn away anger.

⁹If a wise man goes to court with a fool,

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution. ^jk

¹⁰Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, ^l

but the upright care about him. ^m

¹¹A fool gives full vent to his anger, ^no

but a wise man holds it in check. ^p

¹²If a ruler listens to lies, ^q

all his officials will be wicked.

¹³The poor and the oppressor have this in common: ^r

the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. ^s

¹⁴A king who judges the poor with fairness—

his throne will be established forever. ^t

¹⁵A rod of correction imparts wisdom, ^u

but a youth left to himself ^v

is a disgrace to his mother. ^w

¹⁶When the wicked increase, rebellion increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall. ^x

¹⁷Discipline your son, and it will bring you peace of mind ^y

and give you delight.

¹⁸Without revelation ^zapeople run wild, ^b

but one who listens to instruction will be happy. ^c

¹⁹A slave cannot be disciplined by words;

though he understands, he doesn’t respond. ^d

²⁰Do you see a man who speaks too soon? ^e

There is more hope for a fool than for him. ^f

²¹A slave pampered from his youth

will become arrogant ^glater on.

²²An angry man stirs up conflict,

and a hot-tempered man ^hincreases rebellion. ⁱ

²³A person’s pride will humble him, ^j

but a humble spirit will gain honor. ^k

²⁴To be a thief’s partner is to hate oneself;

he hears the curse but will not testify. ^lm

²⁵The fear of man is a snare, ⁿ

but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. ^op

²⁶Many seek a ruler’s favor, ^q

but a man receives justice from the Lord. ^r

²⁷An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,

and one whose way is upright

is detestable to the wicked. ^s