Proverbs 28:1-28 NCV

[1] Evil people run even though no one is chasing them, but good people are as brave as a lion. [2] When a country is lawless, it has one ruler after another; but when it is led by a leader with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong. [3] Rulers who mistreat the poor are like a hard rain that destroys the crops. [4] Those who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked, but those who obey what they have been taught are against them. [5] Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand it completely. [6] It is better to be poor and innocent than to be rich and wicked. [7] Children who obey what they have been taught are wise, but friends of troublemakers disgrace their parents. [8] Some people get rich by overcharging others, but their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor. [9] If you refuse to obey what you have been taught, your prayers will not be heard. [10] Those who lead good people to do wrong will be ruined by their own evil, but the innocent will be rewarded with good things. [11] Rich people may think they are wise, but the poor with understanding will prove them wrong. [12] When good people triumph, there is great happiness, but when the wicked get control, everybody hides. [13] If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy. [14] Those who are always respectful will be happy, but those who are stubborn will get into trouble. [15] A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people as a roaring lion or a charging bear. [16] A ruler without wisdom will be cruel, but the one who refuses to take dishonest money will rule a long time. [17] Don't help those who are guilty of murder; let them run until they die. [18] Innocent people will be kept safe, but those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined. [19] Those who work their land will have plenty of food, but the ones who chase empty dreams instead will end up poor. [20] A truthful person will have many blessings, but those eager to get rich will be punished. [21] It is not good for a judge to take sides, but some will sin for only a piece of bread. [22] Selfish people are in a hurry to get rich and do not realize they soon will be poor. [23] Those who correct others will later be liked more than those who give false praise. [24] Whoever robs father or mother and says, "It's not wrong," is just like someone who destroys things. [25] A greedy person causes trouble, but the one who trusts the LORD will succeed. [26] Those who trust in themselves are foolish, but those who live wisely will be kept safe. [27] Whoever gives to the poor will have everything he needs, but the one who ignores the poor will receive many curses. [28] When the wicked get control, everybody hides, but when they die, good people do well.