Proverbs 28

¹The evil man goes running away when no man is after him, but the upright are without fear, like the lion.

²Because of the sin of the land, its troubles are increased; but by a man of wisdom and knowledge they will be put out like a fire.

³A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.

⁴Those who have no respect for the law give praise to the evil-doer; but such as keep the law are against him.

⁵Evil men have no knowledge of what is right; but those who go after the Lord have knowledge of all things.

⁶Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.

⁷He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who keeps company with feasters puts shame on his father.

⁸He who makes his wealth greater by taking interest, only gets it together for him who has pity on the poor.

⁹As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.

¹⁰Anyone causing the upright to go wandering in an evil way, will himself go down into the hole he has made; but the upright will have good things for their heritage.

¹¹The man of wealth seems to himself to be wise, but the poor man who has sense has a low opinion of him.

¹²When the upright do well, there is great glory; but when evil-doers are lifted up, men do not let themselves be seen.

He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.