Proverbs 28:1-28 VOICE

[1] The wicked run away even when no one is chasing them; the right-living, however, stand their ground as boldly as lions. [2] Where there is rebellion in a land, there are many petty and contending rulers; But where there is a wise and intelligent leader, peace and order endure. [3] A poor person who oppresses others who are poor is like a driving rain that destroys the crops and leaves no food. [4] Those who turn their backs on God's teaching applaud the wicked, while those who observe His instruction oppose them at every turn. [5] Evil people are not able to understand justice, but those who pursue the Eternal understand it completely. [6] It is better to be a pauper walking in integrity than a dishonest man, even if he is rich. [7] Whoever follows God's teaching is a wise child, but the one who spends time with gluttons and drunks disgraces his parents. [8] Anyone who increases his wealth by charging a high rate of interest is only collecting it for another who will deal more liberally with the poor. [9] The one who turns his ear from hearing God's instruction will find that even his prayers are detestable to God. [10] Whoever tries to deceive a good person into taking the path of evil will fall into the pit he himself made, but the truly honest shall be the heirs of all that is good. [11] A rich man may be wise in his own sight, but a perceptive pauper will see right through him. [12] There is much glory when just men celebrate; but when the wicked gain power, people take cover. [13] Whoever tries to hide his sins will not succeed, but the one who confesses his sins and leaves them behind will find mercy. [14] Happy is the one who always fears the Lord, but the person who hardens his heart to God falls into misfortune. [15] Like a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked man ruling over an impoverished people. [16] A leader who lacks intelligence cruelly oppresses the people, but one who hates corruption will prosper and live a long life. [17] A man guilty of murder is a fugitive, fleeing to the nearest hole in the ground but not escaping death's cold pit. Don't do anything to save him. [18] Whoever walks in honesty will be safe, but whoever travels the crooked path will suddenly fall. [19] Whoever cultivates his land will have plenty of food in the harvest, but whoever cultivates worthless ventures will have poverty in abundance. [20] A reliable person will not escape blessings, but one who wants to get rich quick will not escape trouble. [21] Showing favoritism is not good; some will desert the truth for a measly crust of bread. [22] A greedy person is in a hurry to get rich, but he is ignorant of the loss that is about to overtake him. [23] A person who offers constructive criticism will, in the end, be appreciated more than a person who engages in empty flattery. [24] One who robs his father or his mother and says, "There's nothing wrong with that! I had it coming!" walks in the company of murderers. [25] When the greedy want more, they stir up trouble; but when a person trusts in the Eternal, he's sure to prosper. [26] Anyone who puts confidence only in himself is a fool, but the person who follows wisdom will be kept safe. [27] Whoever gives to the poor will have what he needs, but the one who shuts his eyes to their plight will face curse after curse. [28] When the wicked have the upper hand, people go into hiding; but when they perish, the good folk will begin to increase.