1The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged.
3A poor man who oppresses the poor
Is like a driving rain 28:3 Lit. and there is no breadwhich leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the Lord understand all.
6Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
9One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
11The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
12When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory;
But when the wicked arise, men 28:12 Lit. will be searched forhide themselves.
13He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit;
Let no one help him.
18Whoever walks blamelessly will be 28:18 deliveredsaved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
20A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
23He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24Whoever robs his father or his mother,
And says, “It is no transgression,”
The same is companion to a destroyer.
25He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
26He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28When the wicked arise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
