Proverbs 28:1-28 AMP

[1] The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion. [2] When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures. [3] A poor man who oppresses and exploits the lowly Is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food. [4] Those who set aside the law [of God and man] praise the wicked, But those who keep the law [of God and man] struggle with them. [5] Evil men do not understand justice, But they who long for and seek the LORD understand it fully. [6] Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich. [7] He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself]. [8] He who increases his wealth by interest and usury (excessive interest) Gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor. [9] He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man], Even his prayer is repulsive [to God]. [10] He who leads the upright astray on an evil path Will himself fall into his own pit, But the blameless will inherit good. [11] The rich man [who is conceited and relies on his wealth instead of God] is wise in his own eyes, But the poor man who has understanding [because he relies on God] is able to see through him. [12] When the righteous triumph, there is great glory and celebration; But when the wicked rise [to prominence], men hide themselves. [13] He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy. [14] Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, But he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster. [15] Like a roaring lion and a charging bear Is a wicked ruler over a poor people. [16] A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding and common sense [and his wickedness shortens his days], But he who hates unjust gain will [be blessed and] prolong his days. [17] A man who is burdened with the guilt of human blood (murder) Will be a fugitive until death; let no one support him or give him refuge. [18] He who walks blamelessly and uprightly will be kept safe, But he who is crooked (perverse) will suddenly fall. [19] He who cultivates his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows worthless people and frivolous pursuits will have plenty of poverty. [20] A faithful (right-minded) man will abound with blessings, But he who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished. [21] To have regard for one person over another and to show favoritism is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. [22] He who has an evil and envious eye hurries to be rich And does not know that poverty will come upon him. [23] He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue. [24] He who robs his father or his mother And says, “This is no sin,” Is [not only a thief but also] the companion of a man who destroys. [25] An arrogant and greedy man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be blessed and prosper. [26] He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued. [27] He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses. [28] When the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves; But when the wicked perish, the [consistently] righteous increase and become great.