Proverbs 28:1-28 ERV

[1] The wicked are afraid of everything, but those who live right are as brave as lions. [2] A lawless nation will have many bad leaders. But a smart leader will rule for a long time in a land where people obey the law. [3] A leader who takes advantage of the poor is like a hard rain that destroys the crops. [4] Those who refuse to obey the law promote evil. Those who obey the law oppose evil. [5] The wicked don't understand justice, but those who love the LORD understand it completely. [6] It is better to be poor and honest than rich and evil. [7] A smart son obeys the laws, but a son who spends time with worthless people brings shame to his father. [8] If you get rich by charging high interest rates, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor. [9] When people do not listen to God's teachings, he does not listen to their prayers. [10] Those who plan to hurt good people will fall into their own traps, but good things will happen to those who are good. [11] The rich always think they are wise, but a poor person who is wise can see the truth. [12] When good people become leaders, everything is great, but when the wicked rise to power, everyone hides. [13] Whoever hides their sins will not be successful, but whoever confesses their sins and stops doing wrong will receive mercy. [14] People who respect others will be blessed, but stubborn people will have plenty of troubles. [15] An evil ruler over those who are helpless is like an angry lion or a charging bear. [16] A foolish ruler hurts the people under him, but a ruler who hates wrong will rule for a long time. [17] A murderer will never have peace. Don't support such a person. [18] Honest people will be safe, but dishonest people will be ruined. [19] Whoever works hard will have plenty to eat, but whoever wastes their time with dreams will always be poor. [20] People who can be trusted will have many blessings, but those who are just trying to get rich in a hurry will be punished. [21] It is wrong for a judge to support someone simply because he knows them. But some judges will change their decisions for the price of a loaf of bread. [22] Selfish people only want to get rich. They do not realize that they are very close to being poor. [23] Correct someone, and later they will thank you. That is much better than just saying something to be nice. [24] Someone might steal from their parents and say, "I did nothing wrong." But that person is as bad as an enemy who smashes everything in the house. [25] Greedy people might sue you in court, but those who trust the LORD are rewarded. [26] It is foolish to be too confident. Those who ask for advice are wise and will escape disaster. [27] Whoever gives to the poor will have plenty. Whoever refuses to help them will get nothing but curses. [28] When the wicked rise to power, everyone hides. When they are defeated, good people multiply.