Proverbs 28:1-28 ICB

[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 disobedient, it has one ruler after another. But when it is led by a man with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong. [3] Rulers who are cruel to the poor are like a hard rain that destroys the crops. [4] People who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked. But those who obey what they have been taught are against the wicked. [5] Evil people do not understand fairness. 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] The son who obeys what he has been taught shows he is wise. But the son who makes friends with those who have no self-control disgraces his father. [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 honest people to do wrong will be ruined by their own evil. But the innocent will be rewarded with good things. [11] A rich man may think he is wise. But a poor man who has understanding knows the rich man is wrong. [12] When good people win, there is great happiness. But when the wicked get power, 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 always respect the Lord 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 who is cruel does not have wisdom. But the one who hates money taken dishonestly will live a long time. [17] A man who is guilty of murder will run until he dies. So do not stop him. [18] Innocent people will be kept safe. But those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined. [19] The person who works his land will have plenty of food. But the one who chases useless dreams instead will end up very poor. [20] A truthful man 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 just a piece of bread. [22] A selfish person is in a hurry to get rich. He does not realize his selfishness will make him poor. [23] Those who correct others will later be liked more than those who give false praise. [24] Some people rob their fathers or mothers and say, "It's not wrong." Such people are just like those who destroy things. [25] A greedy person causes trouble. But the one who trusts the Lord will succeed. [26] The person who trusts in himself is foolish. But the person who lives wisely will be kept safe. [27] The person who gives to the poor will have everything he needs. But the one who ignores the poor will have many curses put on him. [28] When the wicked get power, everybody hides. But when the wicked die, the good people do well.