Proverbs 28:1-28 NIrV

[1] Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them. But those who do what is right are as bold as lions. [2] A country has many rulers when its people don’t obey. But an understanding ruler knows how to keep order. [3] A ruler who treats poor people badly is like a pounding rain that leaves no crops. [4] Those who turn away from instruction praise sinners. But those who learn from it oppose them. [5] Sinful people don’t understand what is right. But those who worship the LORD understand it completely. [6] It is better to be poor and live without blame than to be rich and follow a crooked path. [7] A child who understands what is right learns from instruction. But a child who likes to eat too much brings shame on his father. [8] Someone might get rich by taking interest or profit from poor people. But that person only piles up wealth for someone who will be kind to poor people. [9] If you don’t pay attention to my instruction, even your prayers are hated. [10] Those who lead honest people down an evil path will fall into their own trap. But those who are without blame will receive good things. [11] Rich people may think they are wise. But a poor person with understanding knows that rich people are fooling themselves. [12] When godly people win, everyone is very happy. But when sinners take charge, everyone hides. [13] Anyone who hides their sins doesn’t succeed. But anyone who admits their sins and gives them up finds mercy. [14] Blessed is the one who always trembles in front of God. But anyone who makes their heart stubborn will get into trouble. [15] An evil person who rules over helpless people is like a roaring lion or an angry bear. [16] A ruler who is mean to his people takes money from them by force. But one who hates money gained in the wrong way will rule a long time. [17] Anyone troubled by the guilt of murder will seek to escape their guilt by death. No one should keep them from it. [18] Anyone who lives without blame is kept safe. But anyone whose path is crooked will fall into the pit. [19] Those who work their land will have plenty of food. But those who chase dreams will be very poor. [20] A faithful person will be richly blessed. But anyone who wants to get rich will be punished. [21] Favoring one person over another is not good. But a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. [22] Those who won’t share what they have want to get rich. They don’t know they are going to be poor. [23] It is better to warn a person than to pretend to praise them. In the end that person will be more pleased with you. [24] Anyone who steals from their parents and says, “It’s not wrong,” is just like someone who destroys. [25] People who always want more stir up conflict. But those who trust in the LORD will succeed. [26] Those who trust in themselves are foolish. But those who live wisely are kept safe. [27] Those who give to poor people will have all they need. But those who close their eyes to the poor will receive many curses. [28] When those who are evil take charge, other people hide. But when those who are evil die, godly people grow stronger.