Proverbs

28 The wicked flee when no one pursues them,

But the righteous are as confident as a lion.*+

 2 When there is transgression* in the land, it will have one prince after another,+

But with the help of a man of discernment and knowledge, a prince* will long endure.+

 3 A poor man who defrauds the lowly+

Is like a rain that sweeps away all the food.

 4 Those who abandon the law praise the wicked one,

But those who observe the law are indignant with them.+

 5 Evil men cannot understand justice,

But those who seek Jehovah can understand everything.+

 6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

Than a rich man whose ways are corrupt.+

 7 An understanding son observes the law,

But a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.+

 8 The one who increases his wealth by interest+ and usury

Amasses it for the one who shows favor to the poor.+

 9 The one refusing to listen to the law

—Even his prayer is detestable.+

10 The one misleading the upright into an evil course will fall into his own pit,+

But the blameless will inherit what is good.+

11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes,+

But a poor man with discernment can see through him.+

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

But when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.+

13 The one covering over his transgressions will not succeed,+

But whoever confesses and abandons them will be shown mercy.+

14 Happy is the man who is always on guard,*

But whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.+

15 Like a growling lion and a charging bear

Is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.+

16 A leader without discernment abuses his power,+

But the one hating dishonest profit will prolong his life.+

18 The one walking faultlessly will be saved,+

But the one whose ways are crooked will suddenly fall.+

19 The one cultivating his ground will have plenty of bread,

But the one taking up worthless pursuits will have his fill of poverty.+

20 A faithful man will receive many blessings,+

But the one hastening to get rich will not remain innocent.+

21 It is not good to show partiality;+

But a man might do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 An envious* man is eager for wealth,

Not knowing that poverty will overtake him.

23 Whoever reproves a man+ will afterward find more favor+

Than someone who flatters with his tongue.

25 The greedy person* stirs up dissension,

But whoever relies on Jehovah will prosper.*+

26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid,+

But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.+

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,+

But the one who closes his eyes to them will receive many curses.

28 When the wicked rise to power, a man hides himself,

But when they perish, the righteous increase.+